Soldering

Definition---A technique used in making and repairing wiring whereby two pieces of wire are joined by applying a molten metal which has a lower melting point .

The only tools that are essential to solder are a soldering iron and some solder. There are, however, lots of soldering accessories available

There are several things to consider when choosing a soldering iron .

Wattage

adjustable or fixed temperature

power source (electric or gas)

portable or bench use

-Wattage usually runs between 15 and 40 watts for an iron, if they have a temp control on there they should be set to between 600 F and 750F is a good temp

- Although the portable irons are convienent they usually don't have the sustaining power of a corded (110volt ) iron.

The most commonly used type of solder is rosin core. The rosin is flux, which cleans as you solder.

The other type of solder is acid core and can be tricky unless you are experienced

Rosin core solder comes in three main types - 50/50, 60/40 and 63/37. These numbers represent the amount of tin and lead are present in the solder as shown.

Type % TIN % Lead Melting point

50/50 50 50 425

60/40 60 40 371

63/37 63 37 361

Soldering Accessories (click)

-When preparing to solder strip the wire back just far enough for the job as you don’t want bare wire exposed.

-Also by using wire strippers there will be no chance of cutting the wire itself as the stippers are all preset in depth.

-Make sure the surfaces are clean, use a bit of sandpaper if neccessary

-Whatever it is you are soldering, you should 'tin' both contacts before you attempt to solder them. -This coats or fills the wires or connector contacts with solder so you can easily melt them together.

To tin a wire, apply the tip of your iron to the wire for a second or two, Then apply the solder to the wire.

1) Heat the contact or wire to be soldered,

2) When the solder melts attach the other wire,

How to solder

3) Remove the heat and wait until the solder solidifies {about 1 to 3 sec},

4) a good joint should be smooth and shiny

Using the tip of the iron on a damp sponge is the best way to clean it after soldering.

Using a WICK is the best way to get solder off a surface where it is not wanted.

Tips and Tricks

-Melted solder flows towards heat.

-Most beginning solderers tend to use too much solder and heat the joint for too long.

-Don't move the joint until the solder has cooled

-Keep your iron tip clean.

-Use the proper type of iron and tip size.

The End