nOOb soldering tips?

Big.Wayne

Big.Wayne

Big.Wayne

Soldato
Joined
11 Sep 2003
Posts
14,716
Location
London
Hi,

I'm wanting to learn a little about soldering by getting myself a small kit and starting to practice on stuff.

I popped into a high st electrical shop and had a look at the irons and various kit that goes with it, for about £35 I can get

  • Adjustable temp soldering iron with stand
  • Roll of solder
  • Soulder pump
  • Beginners solder kit that you make into something

Would that be all I needed to start practicing and become a solder master? :D

I'm also interested to hear from other solderers, how you got into it and what kinda stuff you do?

p.s whats the difference between solder and flux?

Thanks in advance :)
 
Some good tips and insights there lads, thanks very much! :)

One thing I never heard of before is a solder-pad?

Also whats the concensus on those solder pumps, good or bad? I had a little go on one in the shop and it seems to be a good contraption to pull away the molten solder, was just wondering though what happens when the solder turns solid once in the pump, does it all get clogged up? :o

What was the thing that made you guys learn about soldering btw? did some of you do an electricians course or?
 
Wow thanks very much, seems like there is an army of solderers active on these forums, so much good advice there I am almost overwhelmed with info! :o

I will buy the simple soldering kit and have a practice, will add a bit of sponge and that fiber glass pen to round off the bundle, not sure what type of solder to get (size/width) as there seems to be several different rolls on the shelf?

Still a bit confused about this flux thing and the tinning process but I will do some reading up on the web and maybe check YouTube to see some soldering videos lol (what a geek!).

Don't know anything about resistors yet or how to use a volt meter (starting at the very bottom here!) but for the moment will just concentrate on using the iron and trying to get solder on and off with minimum fuss.

Somebody else told me to watch out for a dry joint, what does that mean?
 
badbob said:
The new lead free solder is crap, got some stuff from the 80's and it flows much better
Click to expand...
Ah ok cheers, will check the rolls of solder more carefully then. I suppose solder with lead is a heath hazard then? why did they change it, also what width of solder is good for general use?
 
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