Naio wrote:
Wow, I have learned so much in this thread from Gdetrailer and Mex. This forum is an amazing place :-)
I've seen those Helping Hands things around, but didn't realize they were used for soldering! Magnifying glass and everything, looks like just what I need
Your welcome! :)
As a bonus, I found an instructables on soldering 101 (basics) that helps to expand on some of the things I have mentioned along with some other tips.
HEREYou can also search using "soldering 101" for some YouTube videos that may be helpful also..
Couple of other items that should be mentioned..
Typical standard solders are a mix of Tin and Lead, the percentage of tin to lead varies a bit. This mix affects the melting temp.
A few years ago, there was legislation (RoHS) that went into effect which essentially stomped out the use of Lead based solders in electronics..
The replacement solder is Tin/Silver based which has a drawback of a higher melting point.
Either one can be used but Lead free is a bit more demanding and soldering wires might result in melting the insulation quicker due to the higher melting temps.
For wire, you NEED to use "Rosin core" solder, this solder uses a rosin based flux which is in the center of the solder. Rosin flux is safe to use on wiring projects since it is not a acid based flux.
Never use an acid core flux or plumbing flux on wiring, it WILL slowly eat the copper...
