Beginners soldering kit

GL Respect Due · 8th March 2006, 10:01 PM

I'm interested in taking my technical abilities to a greater level. To do this, soldering is a skill I need to get a good grip on. I'd be greatful if someone could highlight some of the basics about soldering (types, etc), and possibly suggest a good starters soldering kit.

XSergeantD · 8th March 2006, 10:25 PM

I prefer to use silver solder and Weller soldering tools. A basic iron with a pencil tip will be a good start for you. Keep your tip clean all the time by twisting it thru the sponge - not like my old apprentice that thought ya just touch the sponge to see if the iron is on. The tip should always be shiny and have a spot of fresh solder when touching to your board/cable. Heat from hard surface to hard surface will not easily transfer, which is why you should have a spot of solder on the tip when you go to heat something up. If you start hearing a metal on metal grinding sound, stop, something's not right (this will come to you on experience, you'll know when to pay no attention to a little squeak and when to try again).
Oh, and breath in before soldering, so you can blow the fumes away from your face, but not so hard as if you're trying to cool what you're working on. Also know when you're near sensitive equipment and if you need to throw some pliers or something between where you're working and the sensitive eqpt so the heat will dissipate, or work quick in that situation. There's a lot to learn and you'll figure it out as you work more and more on your skills. Just be careful overheating traces on circuit boards

8th March 2006, 10:54 PM

The only way you are going to develope a good skill for this type of work is to do it.

So just start soldering shit.

GL Respect Due · 9th March 2006, 01:10 AM

^Captain Obvious is in the house I see.

SergeantD: Appreciate the information/advice.

More information the better. If anyone else feels they can add some good points please do.

Kevin Stone · 9th March 2006, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GL Respect Due

^Captain Obvious is in the house I see.

SergeantD: Appreciate the information/advice.

More information the better. If anyone else feels they can add some good points please do.

Seriously though... It's simple in theory, but tricky at first. The only way to get a feel for it is to do it. Start with big stuff like cables and move on to finer work. Main thing is to tin the tip, otherwise it'll never work. Gotta have a bit of solder on the tip to start with, it helps to transfer the heat and get things flowing. Soldering should happen quickly, if you're waiting 20-30 seconds for it to melt, there's a problem. Go to Ye Olde Radio Shack. Get a soldering station so you have a place to put the iron without burning the house down. Get a clamp to hold your work steady for you, cause you really need 3 or 4 hands sometimes. Get a clip on heat sink or use pliers or something to protect the wire insulation. Good idea to have a DE-soldering bulb or something to soak up those mistakes too. Get a small fan to blow away the fumes and open the door/window. Vaporized lead is not good for you. Don't solder while your cable/board/whatever is plugged in! It's all about practice. Good luck!

8th March 2006, 10:01 PM	#1
GL Respect Due Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wally World, AR Posts: 523	Beginners soldering kit I'm interested in taking my technical abilities to a greater level. To do this, soldering is a skill I need to get a good grip on. I'd be greatful if someone could highlight some of the basics about soldering (types, etc), and possibly suggest a good starters soldering kit.

8th March 2006, 10:25 PM	#2
XSergeantD Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,029	I prefer to use silver solder and Weller soldering tools. A basic iron with a pencil tip will be a good start for you. Keep your tip clean all the time by twisting it thru the sponge - not like my old apprentice that thought ya just touch the sponge to see if the iron is on. The tip should always be shiny and have a spot of fresh solder when touching to your board/cable. Heat from hard surface to hard surface will not easily transfer, which is why you should have a spot of solder on the tip when you go to heat something up. If you start hearing a metal on metal grinding sound, stop, something's not right (this will come to you on experience, you'll know when to pay no attention to a little squeak and when to try again). Oh, and breath in before soldering, so you can blow the fumes away from your face, but not so hard as if you're trying to cool what you're working on. Also know when you're near sensitive equipment and if you need to throw some pliers or something between where you're working and the sensitive eqpt so the heat will dissipate, or work quick in that situation. There's a lot to learn and you'll figure it out as you work more and more on your skills. Just be careful overheating traces on circuit boards __________________ - Brent - www.StudioAtThePalms.com Without music, life would be a mistake - Nietzsche Cake or Death? [/SIGPIC]

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8th March 2006, 10:54 PM	#3
WHITEAUDIOLABs Guest Posts: n/a	The only way you are going to develope a good skill for this type of work is to do it. So just start soldering shit.

9th March 2006, 01:10 AM	#4
GL Respect Due Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wally World, AR Posts: 523	^Captain Obvious is in the house I see. SergeantD: Appreciate the information/advice. More information the better. If anyone else feels they can add some good points please do.