I am using mild steel wire (very thin and bendable) for an art project, and would like to know if using a soldering torch is effective enough to get the job done. Or do I have to use a butane torch to heat the metal?BTW, is it better to use soft or hard solder?
Soldering to steel is difficult. An electric iron may be enough depends on power. The steel must be clean. An abrasive like fine steel wool,fine sandpaper or even a rubber pencil eraser will work. Next an acid flux for the solder. Most electronic solder flux is not active enough for steel. Plumbers solder usually is. Plumbers solder is Lead free and has a slightly higher melting temp.
You can indeed by using the correct flux as normal soldering fluxes as used by plumbers will not work. I believe to solder steel it requires an acid flux which will corrode copper so when its done make sure its well cleaned afterwards and if possible apply a corrosion proofer afterwards ie paint or even petroleum jelly. I am curious as to why you would want to solder wire to a steel nail.
steel wire has to be silver soldered, or brazed ,or spot welded, you can not solder it, with reg solder or a soldering iron, use a small torch, like a pencil torch,
