12v soldering iron buying advice

[Titus A Duxass]

I had a 2 week training course on how to solder, never forgotten how and it was back in 1979.

[California Dreamin]

two weeks!!!!! what did you do for the other thirteen & a half days?

LOL I guess there is a little more to it than meets the eye.......however, nothing that can't be taught in a day.

Solder wicks & De-soldering guns
Tinning
Loading the tip
Cleaning the tip afterwards

SEE:

http://www.aaroncake.net/electronics/solder.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Martin

[Oldiebut goodie]

Silver soldering, different types of solder, soldering dissimilar metals, acid flux use, borax use . There is far more than you suggest! You try soldering together lead pipes with a soldering iron. You are just thinking of joining two little wires together.

[Titus A Duxass]

two weeks!!!!! what did you do for the other thirteen & a half days?

Loading the tip

Not allowed!



It was during my RAF electronic training.
I didn't need 2 weeks but some did.

[paulo999]

I've got a gas one that works ok. I also carry a bunch of 'old school' connectors, the type you can crimp on with pliers. Between the two, most jobs can be done, barring crimping battery cables which needs some serious leverage

[California Dreamin]

....l'm sure there is a lot more to it than I said..however, basic soldering technique can be learnt in hours rather than days.


Martin

[CovKid]

No skill needed. Guess you're planning to do those ring connectors with it.

If using a mini blowtorch (and they're pretty good), just dip the end of the cable in flux, pop the connector on and heat only the very end of the ring connector. Keep the heat away from cable sleeve. You'll soon know when its hot enough as the solder will flow in easily but keep the cable around 30 degrees (not vertical) to stop it just pouring inside the cable. If you don't you'll solder the first three inches without realising and it'll be stiff as a board as soon as it cools. You need 'just enough'. Put heat shrink on first though and slide it down a good foot, then when connector is cool (cold tap ok) slide it over joint, then warm until it shrinks.

Its easier to do than it sounds actually.

[bigherb]

then when connector is cool (cold tap ok)

Solder should be allowed to cool naturally, forced cooling stresses the joint.

[CovKid]

Aye. Quenching flaming hot metal wasn't quite what I meant.