Estimated Solder
6.6 oz
Seam Length
20.5 ft
Flux
3.1 oz
Total Solder Needed
6.6
ounces
Seam Length
20.5 ft
Total Passes
40.9 ft
1 lb Sticks
1
Flux Estimate
3.1 oz
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Inputs
Result
Perimeter = 84". Internal seam = 161.7". Single-side = 245.7" = 20.5 ft. Pass = 20.5 × 2 = 40.9 ft. Solder = 40.9 × 0.16 = 6.6 oz. Flux = 40.9 × 0.075 = 3.1 oz.
Inputs
Result
Perimeter = 108". Internal = 328.2" (dense × 1.15). Single-side = 436.2" = 36.4 ft. Solder = 36.4 × 0.11 = 4.0 oz. Flux = 36.4 × 0.075 = 2.7 oz.
An 18×24-inch copper foil panel with 24 pieces and standard bead needs about 6.6 oz of solder (soldered both sides). Lead came panels use less solder because the came joints are smaller.
| Technique | Bead Rate (oz/ft) | Typical Panel (18×24", 24 pc) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Foil – Light | 0.11 | 4.5 oz (2 sides) |
| Copper Foil – Standard | 0.16 | 6.6 oz (2 sides) |
| Copper Foil – Heavy | 0.22 | 9.0 oz (2 sides) |
| Lead Came – Standard | 0.08 | 3.3 oz (2 sides) |
More pieces create more internal seams. Even with the same outer dimensions, a dense design with 60 pieces can take twice as much solder as a simple panel with 12 pieces.
Copper foil requires a continuous bead of solder along every seam on both sides. Lead came only needs solder at the intersection joints where came sticks meet. Foil uses far more solder per panel.
| Factor | Copper Foil | Lead Came |
|---|---|---|
| Solder Use | High (full seam) | Low (joints only) |
| Typical Bead | 0.11–0.22 oz/ft | 0.05–0.11 oz/ft |
| Sides Soldered | Usually 2 | Usually 2 |
| Assembly Speed | Slower | Faster |
Flux usage is approximately 0.075 oz per linear foot of solder pass. A typical 18×24-inch panel with 2 soldered sides needs about 3 oz of flux.
Copper foil panels should always be soldered on both sides for structural integrity. Lead came panels traditionally get both sides soldered too, but single-side is acceptable for small, non-structural pieces.
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Last Updated: Mar 16, 2026
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