discussion Soldering advice

[BattleshipBob]

Afternoon all

Can see my goodself having to solder some pe

I have not soldered for many yrs and found a useful vid on YouTube. So i am after advice please especially about soldering stations with thermostats

Of course the price varies like mad, can some kind soul advise as to the best wattage for the iron etc. Only going to use on pe.

Will use liquid flux as it looks a lot easier to use.

Thanks bob

 

[Tim Marlow]

Can I ask some questions Bob. Why temperature controlled? I never found anything I couldn’t solder with my 15 watt Antex iron with a selection of different tips. This includes soldering white metal spears into the hands of 15mm Zulu warriors with 80degC solder. The secret is very clean workpieces and the right flux and solder. I’ve never felt the need for a temperature controlled iron. would recommend 145 solder with liquid flux though, flows like melted butter….. Carrs and London Road models have a lot of hints and tips….

http://londonroadmodels.com/various_pages/rsu.php

The phosphoric acid flux and 145 solder will be a real game changer if you haven’t used it before….

 

[Tim Marlow]

That’s the iron…..plenty of other suppliers though, this just came up first in the search engine. The tip being fitted over the element is a great feature. They don’t seize making easy changes, and the tip holds more energy due to the greater mass. The Solon type, where the tip is housed inside the element is much inferior. The tip is smaller, takes longer to heat up due to the design, and cools too quickly in use. The biggest cause of trouble during soldering is not having enough energy to transfer to the workpiece, meaning you hold the iron on too long and overheat the job. I’ve used both extensively over the years, and the Antex are like a magic wand compared to the Solon.

https://www.switchelectronics.co.uk/products/s272470-c15-230v-15w-soldering-iron-antex

 

[Tim Marlow]

You will need a stand as well. They are essential to store the iron when hot…
Oh, and if you drop it, don’t try to catch it. They always fall hot side upwards….ask me how I know

 

[scottie3158]

Bob,

Personally I use solder paste it has the flux already in it. Just place a small amount in the joint and apply your heat source. It has the other advantage of being low temp melt.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Hi Tim, many thanks for the information, I'll make a list tomorrow and tempt the wallet out of its hiding place

Now your question, i watched a few vids on YouTube for revision purposes and most went on about the temp the iron should be so a station with a thermostat was required! Please correct me i am wrong, lol

Thanks Paul, one for my shopping list,

 

[BattleshipBob]

You will need a stand as well. They are essential to store the iron when hot…
Oh, and if you drop it, don’t try to catch it. They always fall hot side upwards….ask me how I know

Now Tim , you suggested it.

How do you know sir??

 

[BattleshipBob]

Sorry to be a pain, I assume it doesn't come with tips?

Can you suggest what tips are need, i don't have a clue!

Bob

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Tim, many thanks for the information, I'll make a list tomorrow and tempt the wallet out of its hiding place

Now your question, i watched a few vids on YouTube for revision purposes and most went on about the temp the iron should be so a station with a thermostat was required! Please correct me i am wrong, lol

Thanks Paul, one for my shopping list,

Well I’ve never used one Bob, so I couldn’t comment. Clean workpieces, correct flux, and good quality low melt solder are all I’ve ever needed. I really don’t see what etch work gains from the temperature control. It’s not heat sensitive electrical components you are joining after all, just brass…..best primer I’ve ever found is this one….not our field, but it covers everything you will ever need and then some….Oh, and if you are going to use a fibreglass scratch brush to clean the etch, use it wet to stop the fibres flying…I used to have a saucer of water with a drip of dish soap in it and dip it in there before use.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Sorry to be a pain, I assume it doesn't come with tips?

Can you suggest what tips are need, i don't have a clue!

Bob

They usually come with a medium chisel bit, but a fine point tip is always handy, and they are pretty cheap.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Thanks Tim, ordered but need to get solder paste

Thanks for kind advice

 

[Tim Marlow]

Now Tim , you suggested it.

How do you know sir??

Because I tried to catch mine, and got a nasty burn as a result……

 

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks Tim, ordered but need to get solder paste

Thanks for kind advice

Never got on with that stuff either. Mine dried out due to lack of use . My essentials list would include 145 solder, phosphoric acid flux (not the paste stuff, that’s horrible to wash off before painting and can leave burnt crud all over the workpiece), a 15watt Antex iron, an additional fine conical tip, and a decent stand. In addition, an old brush to put the flux on, and a scrap of MDF to protect your bench during soldering, would be very useful. This is the sort of stand I have…..

Keep the sponge moist, and wipe the bit, then re-tin with fresh solder, every time you use the iron. In soldering cleanliness is the key to a good outcome. Practice on scrap etch until you are happy with your technique. There are all sorts of tricks and tips for different types of joint, so if you are unsure, give me a shout and I’ll help if I can.