Soldering Help


Hello, 

I am going to try soldering a connection in my preamp.  I don't have any equipment to do this.  I am looking for advice on materials.

I did read that I want to avoid solder with lead in it.

What soldering tool, solder, etc would people recommend? 

Thank you!

desferous

     Then again: if you're anywhere around Indianapolis, IN and only planning on ever tackling the one soldering project; bring it over and I'll do it for you, gratis.

     btw: Lead Free solders are typically used for plumbing, to avoid getting the crap in a water supply.

     Though there are some made for audio: they are expensive and usually have higher melting points

                                   Happy listing and holidays!

Thank you all!

Thanks Rodman, I live on the East Coast, though.

I was not sure where to post it, and then as I hit post, I realized, there is probably a thread on this already. 

I do know the supply and brands change with time though. 

I have several soldering stations and use either Cardas solder or Wonder solder. If you live outside of the Boston area I'd be more than happy to help out. Just PM me.

You got good advice on what to use. My question is, Why? Before you go applying a lot of heat it is good to know where and what and why? Because you can buy all the greatest gear, and then if you don't know what you're doing easily overheat a trace and trash a circuit board. 

My advice is once you get your stuff take a few wires twist them together and practice soldering. Get a feel for how heat flows into metal and how solder flows to the heat. What you want is to get the part hot enough all you do is touch the solder and it flows right into the joint. But not so hot it starts melting plastic and insulation. Takes a little practice to get the hang of it which is why I suggest start with scrap wire not expensive preamp.