Soldering

What is the purpose of soldering?

Soldering is used to join two metal pieces together by melting them with another metal.

What type of “connection” do you need to form before you solder?  

You need to form a good physical connection before you solder.

Why is it necessary to “tin the tip” of a soldering iron?  

Tinning the tip of the solder iron prevents the solder from oxidizing.

Why is flux necessary? 

Flux keeps oxygen away until the solder displaces it. Flux also reduces the tension of the surface to help the solder spread, and it acts like a blanket to help distribute heat.