soldering tips?

[stikphysh]

anyone got any good tips for soldering as far as boards, componants, wiring, and all that fun stuff? or even a link would be badd...

thanks guys

[Smizack]

I don't know of a link, but just be patient and make sure the solder melts onto the wire. (you'll see what i'm talking about)

And don't let whatever you're working on get too hot. Most pcb's can take a lot of heat, but just be careful with it.

[Christoph]

If you've got a gun, make sure that the tip is screwed in very tightly. Make sure to file off the excess solder from the tip when you're done, and be careful where you put the electrical cord.
Make sure that you have something reliable to hold most (or all) of what you're soldering so that your hands don't shake and you don't get burned. If nothing else, you can get one of those a third hand from Radio Shack to hold the wire while you solder.

Try to be fast so that you don't overheat what you're soldering. If you have to take more than about 5-10 sec per connection, you're probably doing something wrong.

What are you soldering, anyway? An Abit capacitor, perhaps?

[CrystalMethod]

Check the links HERE. (http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=97468&highlight=Soldering+guide)
I'm still working on a guide, but the pics are a little fuzzy so I may have to re take them. There's some stuff that is a little off in some of the guides that are linked to but nothing that will make any real difference in the long run.

[bongo]

Make sure you have a good work space, or you'll end up burning urself or stuff around.

When soldering really small pieces, try applying some solder onto one part (usually onto the removable part "wire". Then just apply a bit of heat onto that spot and connect the two points.

Little soldering 101, LOL:D

[trdsw20]

Watch the hands or you get burnt!!!:mad:
I know Ive done that more then once and if it s a bad burn youll know because your skin goes white and just dies on you. Really not a pretty site and it really sucks when it happens to you.

[Veland]

And make sure the soldering iron/gun has ENOUGH heat. If you solder big wires (splicing into PSU wires..) the wires sink a lot of heat and you risk a "cold solder joint" making bad connection. As in most things, if it looks smooth and nice, it is most probably good.

Happy soldering!

[Skiing Squirrel]

What if I want to solder two copper pieces together? Like a waterblock. I have some el-cheapo solder iron-should that be enough? Does it matter if the solder is really hot to hold together two copper pieces?

[KeyboardCowboy]

Originally posted by Skiing Squirrel
What if I want to solder two copper pieces together? Like a waterblock. I have some el-cheapo solder iron-should that be enough? Does it matter if the solder is really hot to hold together two copper pieces?



I think for solder copper you use normal solder, but you have to use a blowtorch to heat the copper up then run the solder over the joints.

[Skiing Squirrel]

Oh, I dont have a blow tourch. Looks like epoxy for me!

[Mizzery]

Skiing Squirrel - If you don't have a torch you could try masked geeks method, put it on the stove. Just make sure you use flux if you soldering a block.

[Skiing Squirrel]

What is flux?

[stikphysh]

OOH OOH! I KNOW THIS ONE! ok, so i spent a few years as a plumber. we soldered pipes together and i got real good at that, but nothin with lil wires. and stuff. anyway, flux is basicaly a corosive goo that you use to clean and prep the metal for the solder to take. but because it is corrosive, it will eat the copper over time, so MAKE SURE you wipe it off after you solder. ive seen it eat through copper water pipes more than once. but dont worry, that takes a year or better. it will just give your copper an ugly green look after a few days. also, dont get it in open wounds or your eyes, cuz it burns like poo. well, poo shouldnt burn unless maybe its in a bag on old man harveys front door step, but you get the idea.

[Skiing Squirrel]

So I put the flux on. Wait. Take it off. Put the copper on the stove. Wait. Take it off. Solder, and Im done?

[Hardware Man]

Originally posted by Skiing Squirrel
So I put the flux on. Wait. Take it off. Put the copper on the stove. Wait. Take it off. Solder, and Im done?

No! Don't wipe the flux off BEFORE you solder. The flux is necessary to make the solder flow into the joint. In fact, make sure you use lots of flux. As for the specifics of stove top soldering I think you should pm Maskedgeek. He has done this many times and can give you all the info you'll need.

Good luck. :)