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General DIY Soldering Questions

Having been intrigued and swayed by a number of folks doing DIY electronics projects, I'd like to give a few a go myself. I have not used a soldering iron in about 30 years (no electronics-based experience) and seek some advice. I do plan to buy a couple of cheapo kits first to hone a few skills. Before doing so, I respectfully seek answers to the following questions:

1. While likely a matter of personal taste, is there a consensus on which soldering iron to buy for electronic use(wattage, tip style, etc.)?

2. Is there a solder of choice for most electronics applications?

3. I know from memory that things must be very clean and that flux was generally used. Is the flux contained within the solder sufficient or do most of you use additional flux?

4. I assume rosin-based flux solder is preferable. Yes? No?

5. I recall my grandfather using copper (I think) heat sinks to protect surrounding areas while soldering. How big of an issue is this?

5. What are the myriad questions that am I blithely and that should be answered before beginning?

Thanks
4yanx
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Sean, you're 100% right about selecting soldering irons or stations. I realized when I used RadioSnack soldering 20...40W station. It burned down after 10hours of using and figured more expencive for a good quality one is actually alot cheaper.
pilar
24 posts
 
Mmmmmmm, RadioSnacks. Marakanetz I agree with you about the cheap irons. With the better equipment you also get a bigger variety of tips and accessories.

Thanks for the informative post Sean.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
yeah, some more tips:

make sure that your connection looks sexy and shiny thus you'll make sure that you've no cold joint. do not apply too much wind for the ventilation since you can get the cold joint.

also make sure that you leave no bubbles after filling up the joint and if you do use desoldering pump to suck them off and fill the joint again so it will look like nice and shiny cone.

an adjustable soldering station is a very helpful tool whre you can adjust the heat whenever you see more or less dencity of elements arround. i use usually a few clipping heat sinks for the next-standing elements and 30W on iron(tin/silver solder will not be overheat and less-likely will become cold as well).

use file to periodically send-out the iron tip and have replacement tips of different shapes or to substitute the old ones. use desoldering pump to suck out the excessive solder on the iron tip as well.

and finally read basic electronics to know how elements are connected and how to distinguish DC path from signal and how to locate the elements that you want to replace or modify. read also the safety rules of an electrician and electronic technician not to get yourself electricuted.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Great posts guys!!
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