Dan, one of my Facebook friends wrote to me asking for the election of a soldering iron:
"Quick question ... I'm looking for a new soldering iron. You know it's all under $ 40, without a welding station? I'm tired of my Radio Shack 45-watt iron with a screw top (and with a bench grinder using all days to clean the tips). "
I asked this question a lot, 'so I thought it was time to explain something to weld togetherIron, flux, and tinning.
Welder
The first thing I would recommend is to always have an iron adjustable welding temperature, and to set the right temperature for the different types of parts to get to work - hot for a wider track and more fresh the thin, the finest work. I usually work in the 325F to 400F range. I'm with LAB1U Velleman, it comes with an AC multimeter and power. This can be a bit 'expensive, so check the label Weller - Sometimesare on sale for about $ 40. I would like to avoid the soldering iron hot and cold - which are not suitable for sensitive electronics, as well as the largest welding type "weapon" of iron.
I used to use very large gauge welded and suggestions, but only recently (after I do a lot of work mounting surface) is increased to 1 / 32 "high and 0.32" diameter welded. This allows much finer control with less overlap.
My soldering iron is the "sponge" built to clean excess solder used in the middle. Inpast I have used regular paper towels to do the same job, but devoted a sponge with a circular hole in the center really works best.
Helping Hands
It may have pairs of alligator clips used to hold the piece while you concentrate on welding - the next thing that would not be without, is a "Helping Hands". This is very important because it will not be long before you realize that you need four hands to create things Lot.
Even better is helping handsto:
Vise / Vise
I bought one of these 2 years and has proven to be invaluable. The brand I use is "Panavise" and come with a number of bases and Options - Fry wearing them, and are available online. You can put to work the entire PCB in a vise, place the components and then just turn welded.
Flux Pen
Rosin Flux is a substance that helps the solder flow. If you find that you have difficulties, a good solder jointthen it is probably because the heat transfer is not working properly, or the parts are dirty. Application of certain stream for the common area will really help - I have a pen flow for years and do not want to do without. An alternative is to glue flow - is like toothpaste in a tube and can be applied with your fingers.
Tip Tinner and Cleaner
The first time you install a new tip is bright, brilliant and very difficult to process. The solder will not stickand therefore can not "pool", the tip properly. Some people use fine sandpaper to get a new tip, but I prefer to tip in some of the new RadioShack dip "Tip Tinner and Cleaner." This process is good. There is also a good idea to immerse the iron when finished, and before turning off the device. I think that really helps prevent premature wear on the tip.
Extraction
If you do a lot of welding, then you need to install anything on your computerBank to divert the smoke away from your face. It is not recommended for use in welding fumes to breathe at all. I use a small fan, but a real Extractor is a good idea.
Cutting edge
The last important piece of equipment is a pair of sharp, flat ground wire cutter. These components are used to cut excess wire ("leg"), after welding. The flat base is important for the cut to keep the PCB as close as possible. Do not go too cheap with it, I paid about $ 17 for me.
Thatjust the basics of welding, I would also like a magnifying glass (zoom), some solder wick and solder thinking "sucker" for removal, isopropyl alcohol, and stripping and an old toothbrush to remove flux.
Very soon we will bring together a series of articles on welding - the base through the mounting holes and the most advanced surface mount technology.
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