Techtraders.com Tech-Tips
Soldering
Learning to solder can save you money bigtime. It will help you understand how equipment works (tube amps, tube guitar amps). Making cables will help when it comes to trouble shoot problems, you will have a better understanding of where to look.
Solder is used to form an electrical connection between two objects (IC pin to circuit board, wire to connector pin etc.
Tools
- Solder iron 40W standard solder iron or better yet a Soldering Ststion with Heat Control
- Rosin-core Soldering Wire from .050 to .062 diameter
- Sponge to wipe solder off of iron, leftover solder will build up on the tip making it harder to heat object
- Solder Sucker - Metal
- Solder Wick - a braided strip which you lay over the solder joint you want to free up, press the soldering irin to the braid and let it heat until it absorbs the solder on the joint.
- Stand with alligator clips to hold circuit boards, wire etc.
- Wire stripper
- Wire cutter
- Needle-nose pliers
- Electricians Tape - Heat Shrink Tubing and Heat Shrink Gun
- Thick Skin - solder burns, like when you've just finished soldering and you grab the item
- Solder Burns - I had one client who says his cat knocked over the soldering iron and set the studio on fire.
- Practice soldering on old, broker equipment, something you don't mind destroying
- Never ever use acid-core solder for electronics.
- Soldering Irons - Fine Point - for up close delicate work, IC leads etc.
- Soldering Guns for heavier wire, connectors - speaker wire/connectors
Start by wiping the iron across the damp spounge to clean the tip, this clean tip will be much more willing to take solde. Touch the solder to the tip, this will give the tip a fine coating of solder. Apply the tip to the joint you wish to solder, touch the solder to the joint at the tip, the joint should absorb the solder making a solid connection with the two pieces you are trying to form an electrical connection with. Don't try to paint the solder on with the tip of the solder iron.
Links to Online How-To Solder Guides
- www.circuitrework.com - guides to circuit nboards, soldering, wires, component removal
- www.aaroncake.net/electronics/solder.htm
- www.elxep.com/t_solder.htm - - Better Soldering – a Cooper Tools Re-Print
- Google Soldering Tips
Links to Soldering Tools
- www.cooperhandtools.com - Weller soldering iron
- www.wellersoldering.com
- www.jensentools.com
- Radio Shack - www.radioshack.com
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