Here is a tip for modifying a compressed charcoal block for soldering. Last week I needed to solder an earring post onto a gold earring that wouldn’t sit flat on my charcoal block, so I took a wax bur and *with ventilation* I ground a divot into the surface for the earring to sit in. I could then easily set up the earring to solder. Since this is a production piece I know I will reuse the charcoal block divot again and again. If you are new to charcoal blocks they come as “soft” blocks or “premium” which are the compressed. For grinding and shaping I do prefer the compressed, they also don’t require you wrap them in binding wire because they don’t fall apart easily. The soft can be nice for sticking pins in. I really hope this is helpful!!<br>#charcoalblocks #solderingsurfaces #solderinggold #solderinearringposts