Bought a special piece to use the torch on. Thanks for the tip though.

Many moons ago when I worked in the shipyards we used something similar on a much larger scale with the holes 2"dia these massive slabs of steel were used to bend bulb bar and hold plates flat for welding they were called dogging plates or tables depending on the size (I think dogging has a different connertation now a days) .the tables or plates were used with bars which were called dogs .good luck with the rest of the soldering😐😐

the metal one I bought, I also made one with a piece of scrap balsa. The metal one was intended for bending wire. It has various size pegs that go in the holes.

Did you make the perforated jig your using?

Not pretty, but was a learning experience. Will build a better jig, be more careful while soldering (tining is very important), alignment issues (better jig), tubing bending issues, mostly a better jig.

well, here it is (still in the build stage). switched to brass and silver solder, going pretty well for the first solder project.

Thanks Haverlock, I did research and have material to make use safer. Still practicing with the iron. its an adjustable heat and am expermenting with different heats. Got the solder to run finally.

if your not used to using a torch please make sure whatever your resting the work on will not burn!! Oh and please remember things stay hot for longer than you might think cooling a soft soldered joint with water is not a good idea allow it to cool slowly. Get a couple of cheap pairs of pliers and some rubber bands to use for clamps if the parts are small and light enough a 3rd hand is useful https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC0.A0.H0.Xthird+hand.TRS0&_nkw=third+hand&_sacat=0 some examples there.

Most important make sure the part you are soldering is clean
if we all learnt by our mistakes we would all be experts 😋

If you use plumber's 'active' flux, all your joints will work.

Thanks for the comments. Bought some brass and a propane torch, going to try that.

it seems hard at first but like so many things once you have the hang of things it does get easier. One thing I would say is avoid the lead free solders for starters received wisdom is that its harder to use. For the amounts we use the health hazard is vanishingly small just do not let any kids teeth on your joints.

Let solder follow the heat👍