Soldering Basics.

[McTodd]

This is a fantastic guide, DX-SFX, thank you! Soldering has always intimidated me but your guide makes it look feasible! One thing I'd like to pick your brain about - googling soldering I chanced upon this page on brazing:

http://www.steves-workshop.co.uk/tip...azingindex.htm

Would you consider a fire-brick hearth, as outlined on that page, an essential item? Or does he only need it because he's brazing somewhat larger items (copper pipes and the like)?