Welcome to Fellowship of the Flux

Welcome to Fellowship of the Flux! We’re excited to share our mission of advancing the art of learning to solder through community outreach, education, and resource sharing.

Our Story

Fellowship of the Flux began in Kansas City with a simple belief: everyone should have the opportunity to learn soldering skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. What started as volunteer-run workshops at local cybersecurity conferences like BSides KC and MakerFaire KC has grown into a regional resource for STEM education.

Our name playfully references the Fellowship of the Ring, emphasizing our belief that learning is a shared journey. Just as flux enables solder to flow and create strong connections, we help knowledge flow between experienced makers and eager learners.

What We Do

Portable Soldering Labs

Our carefully designed portable labs feature professional-grade equipment that we bring directly to events:

• 20+ Hakko FX-888 temperature-controlled soldering stations
• Custom 3D-printed organizers for tools and components
• Complete safety equipment and beginner-friendly project kits

Community Workshops

We provide hands-on soldering education at:

• Cybersecurity conferences and maker faires
• Schools and libraries
• STEM education events
• Corporate team-building workshops

Educational Resources

Through this website, we share:

• Step-by-step soldering tutorials for all skill levels
• Comprehensive guides for tools and techniques
• Hands-on projects with skill assessments
• Resources for building your own soldering education programs

Our Impact

Since our founding, Fellowship of the Flux has:

• Taught 500+ people to solder at community events
• Supported 25+ conferences and educational events
• Trained 30+ volunteers to lead their own workshops
• Reached learners from elementary school through retirement
• Expanded across the Midwest with partner organizations

Get Involved

Whether you’re an individual wanting to learn, an organization planning an event, or someone passionate about STEM education, there’s a place for you in our fellowship:

For Learners

Explore our Learn to Solder platform with tutorials, guides, and projects designed for every skill level. Start with our Basic Through-Hole Soldering tutorial.

For Event Organizers

Request our portable lab services for your next conference, maker faire, or educational event. We handle everything from equipment to instruction.

For Organizations

Learn how to build your own soldering lab with our detailed guides and equipment recommendations.

For Volunteers

Join our community of passionate educators and makers. We welcome volunteers with all skill levels and provide comprehensive training.

What’s on This Site

Learn to Solder Platform

Our comprehensive educational platform includes:

• Tutorials: Step-by-step learning modules with progress tracking
• Guides: Reference materials covering tools, techniques, and safety
• Projects: Hands-on builds from simple LED circuits to audio amplifiers
• Interactive Features: Progress tracking, skill assessments, and community tools

Community Resources

• Event Calendar: Upcoming workshops and volunteer opportunities
• Volunteer Spotlights: Meet the amazing people who make our work possible
• Success Stories: Real impact from learners and partner organizations
• Resource Library: Equipment guides, curriculum materials, and best practices

Professional Services

• Workshop Requests: Bring our portable lab to your event
• Lab Setup Consulting: Build your own soldering education program
• Volunteer Training: Develop your own team of soldering instructors
• Partnership Opportunities: Collaborate on STEM education initiatives

Our Values

Inclusivity

Soldering education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background, age, or prior experience.

Safety First

We prioritize safe practices and create environments where learners feel secure to experiment and make mistakes.

Community Over Competition

We believe in collaboration, knowledge sharing, and lifting each other up.

Quality Education

We use professional-grade equipment and proven teaching methods to ensure learners develop real skills.

Join the Fellowship

Ready to advance the art of learning to solder? Whether you want to learn, teach, or support our mission, we’d love to have you join our community.

Explore the site, check out our educational resources, and see how you can get involved. Together, we’re building a community where everyone can develop the confidence and skills to create, repair, and innovate.

Welcome to Fellowship of the Flux – where learning to solder is just the beginning of a lifelong journey in making and community building!