Guide to Successful Soldering Author:  Evan (Lethal. Dosage)

There are many different kinds of soldering irons, and soldering joints.  This guide is going to focus on how to make successful soldering joints, and picking out, mainting your soldering irons, and even some first aid. Now lets get started…

Getting a soldering iron.

The best place to get soldering irons is your local home improvement stores, like Home Depot, or Lowes. You want to look for a soldering iron that has a sharp tip, since you will be working with electronics.  Also you want one that will allow you to have interchangeable tips, which lets you get the right one for the job.  Ideally you want a adjust temperature/wattage iron.  If you have the money, get it.  If you don’t have the money, a 25W soldering iron will work well.  A good company for soldering irons is Weller, I’ve only used this brand, and must say they are good.  Also don’t forget to buy solder.  The kind of solder to look for is Rosin core, this has flux built in so it works out easier.  It should be 60% lead and 40% tin, 40/60.  Most soldering irons should come with a stand, if not buy one.  If you’re the cheap kind you can make your own stand very easily.  But a good stand that you should get, should look like this:

Your entire kit should come with something alone the lines of this.  It includes your soldering iron, three tips, tool to change tips, and a simple stand.

Making your own stand.

To make your own stand take some scrape metal, aluminum is best, about 2”x2” and fold it in half.  Now cut out a notch and you have your stand.  This way works, but is a bit more dangerous.  It should look, sort of like the stand in the picture above.

Complete Supplies list.

This is what you should have.

1. Soldering iron- 25W aprrox.
2. Soldering stand- with a sponge.
3. Desoldering wick

OR

4. Desoldering pump
5. Electical tape, hot glue, heatshrink
6. Rosin core solder- Small diameter, about .032

Optional Tools

7. “Helping hands”- When two hands aren’t enough
8. Magnifying lens- Get a closer look at things
9. Other assorted tools

Helping Hands with magnifying glass:

Safety precautions.

• Never touch the tip of the soldering iron.  They are very hot and will give you a nasty burn.
• Always return the soldering iron to its stand when not in use.  Never put it down on your workbench, you could burn yourself!
• Work in a well-ventilated area.  The smoke formed as you melt solder can be quite irritating. Avoid breathing it by keeping your head to the side of, not above, your work.
• Wash your hands after using solder.  Solder contains lead which is poisonous.