So I finally pulled the trigger on a soldering kit, thought this would be a good deal and it's made in the "USA"!!
So just looking for pointers, how too's, and tips to being a soldering soldier of hobbyfare!! I have never soldered anything prior to the hobby so this will be a big learning curve for me!!
I have watched a few videos on the old tubey and I must say it seems pretty straight forward and simple.. so hopefully it's as easy as it looks!!
One question I was hoping you pro guys might know, will this solder that came with the kit be fine to use, I'm not really sure what's bad solder or better solder.. let me know bro's!!
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Your solder appears to be standard 60/40 lead type. Perfect. Leaded is best for what little soldering you will do. What I prefer. A lower melting point. For quicker soldering.
The Green guys will say otherwise, feeling Lead-Free is safest. Not true. Just as bad with other chemicals ( Flux etc) Only for mass production factory use, Iead-free is generally mandated.
Use the larger blunt tip for connector/ large 8-12 guage work. Small pencil tip for 18-22 guage wires.
I like 750F ish temp settings. Get a Third hand to hold your work as you solder.
Preparation is key. The actual soldering is done quickly. Shiny joints are good ones. Tug on your joints well to verify. Dull joints are "Cold joints". Not what you want. They can come apart easily leading to dead shorts etc. After soldering a good joint, wipe the joint with a solvent or alcohol to remove any excess Flux that remains. Or it can potentially leave acid on the joint and it corrodes the wires over time.
Make sure to "Pre-tin" your New never used soldering tips. Important. Many videos in regards. Use a water moistened sponge and/or a brass wool cup to clean and wipe the tip between each and every solder application.
Soldering is almost like a hobby unto itself.
Make sure ventilation is good. A fan sucking smoke
away from the work table and
you as you solder is important. Keep children far away. This a given.
I learned soldering best through this RC hobby. It is a hobby within my RC hobby. At least for me.
Watch many videos. Some appear different than others. After a while you will see the main theme of how it is done right. I watched a very old vintage videos about Soldering. A 101 class vocational video. I found it corny, however very simple to understand. And the same theory holds true today.
Practice soldering on scrap wires and connectors if you have them around. Takes a bit getting comfortable with it. It is rewarding however. You learn by doing it more and more. And burning your fingers less.
Nice soldering station there.
Good luck with your new Toy.
