Soldering help?

Flavaham · January 12, 2011, 10:54:29 PM

Okay, so I decided to try to learn how to solder so that I might be able to do some mods on my own. I got an iron and a little board to mess around on to practice up. I'm having a real hard time getting it to actually make a good connection with any kind of consistency. Really I'm just making a mess!

Let me make sure I get the idea: You hold the iron to the joint to heat it. Immediately apply the solder to the joint as you remove the iron. Right? If I leave the iron on the joint the solder goes everywhere. If I remove the iron, either the solder does nothing or just beads up quickly but doesn't get into the joint. What the heck am I doing wrong here? I know it takes a lot of practice to do this well and consistently but it shouldn't be THIS hard! I'm going to look for some videos on youtube to see if I can figure out what I'm doing wrong but either way, any pointers would be VERY helpful!
Thanks!

Walker done done · January 13, 2011, 11:00:51 AM

I'm not great at soldering, but I found this rant to be quite funny, so thanks for the laugh at the very least!

But I think you're on the right track, checking out youtube and the like for some video tips. That's probably the best way to go unless you actually have someone there in person to help you out. I'm guessing that sour d could provide a tip or two?

cactuskeeb · January 13, 2011, 02:59:44 PM

What kind of iron and solder are you using? What's the wattage on the soldering iron? I found that once I started using a Hakko iron with temperature control and Cardas solder, I was the champion at soldering.

Walker done done · January 13, 2011, 03:10:03 PM

Quote from: cactuskeeb on January 13, 2011, 02:59:44 PM
I was the champion at soldering.

Did you receive a title belt for this? If not, I'm calling shennanigans.

"The next guy that says shennanigans is gonna get pistol whipped!"

cactuskeeb · January 13, 2011, 03:15:01 PM

Without a doubt, I am the heavy weight champion of soldering.

Also, a solder sucker is extremely necessary.

Happyorange27 · January 13, 2011, 09:16:58 PM

Cool, I'm getting a Hakko soon. Billm uses one too for amp mods. Way to be.

sour d · January 14, 2011, 10:25:04 AM

Quote from: Flavaham on January 12, 2011, 10:54:29 PM
You hold the iron to the joint to heat it. Immediately apply the solder to the joint as you remove the iron. Right? If I leave the iron on the joint the solder goes everywhere. If I remove the iron, either the solder does nothing or just beads up quickly but doesn't get into the joint. What the heck am I doing wrong here?

Sounds like the iron is too hot. Don't forget to tin the tip of the iron. Keep it clean. Using good quality solder helps.

Strike the hammer while. Iron is hot.