How and WHY to Solder Correctly

higher resolution available on DVD: http://store.curiousinventor.com/dvd-soldering-and-metal-working.html Close up demonstrations of proper soldering technique. Explains flux, temperature, tip size / shape.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• soldering
• solder
• DIY
• HowTo
• electronics
• flux

[JAYRAY00]

My solder doesn't look like that, at 0:40. Mine is either liquid, or rock hard. And if i take away the soldering iron from the solder for a split second, it sets. His has the consistency of butter, curious...

[CuriousInventor]

@JAYRAY00 Your tip is likely oxidized and needs to be replaced, or the oxidation needs to be sanded off.

[fyaq5130]

My teacher tells me too solder first. Then cut the wires. He is a Dr with phd and has a electrical engineering degree

[CuriousInventor]

@fyaq5130 Cutting the wires after soldering can cause fractures in the joints that can reduce reliability. However, this is probably only necessary for high reliability stuff, like military hardware. Not sure I would rely on a PhD label for the rationale unless it's in soldering...

[MsLycanblood]

@fyaq5130 Just because someone has a degree in anything doesn't mean they are the god of that profession. If you cut it after soldering you run the risk of fractures and lifting the soldered piece off the board.

[MsLycanblood]

@CuriousInventor I sanded off the oxidation on my soldering iron, why won't the solder actually stick to the tip? doesn't matter if I do it exactly like you showed or use flux or not the solder just turns into little balls and drop to the table without even remotely coating the tip.

[Bylga]

This was my first guide that started my journey of soldering electronics. Thank you so much for this great guide!

[CallidusMacedonian]

@chrisjpf33 Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[mikeyb2k9]

Thanks alot for the vid! Helped me alot, I was "cold soldering" ie applying the solder to the iron etc and although it worked in the end it took a while and I ended up with solder in places I didn't want! :] I'll resolder it soon, thanks again!

[chrisjpf33]

@CallidusMacedonian You probably saw someone using tip cleaner. It is a flux/solder paste that agressively cleans and tins the soldering tip. It should only be used occasionally, as needed to maintain a good tip, not during regular soldering.

[chrisjpf33]

I have done a LOT of electronics soldering, both personally and professionally (and a little plumbing soldering), for many years. I have learned from my experience and from formal training. I just want to say that this video covered this topic more accurately and thoroughly than anything I have ever seen. People learning how to solder electronics need to pay attention to this video!

[KX36]

Lead free solder does go shiny. I learned to solder with it and recently found something I made as a teenager with a cheap old iron and no idea about proper technique and still most of the joints are shiney.

[CallidusMacedonian]

Great video, you really did put my mind at rest.

One question though, I've seen people dip the soldering iron in something, is it regular soldering grease or something else?

Cheers

[mindovermidi]

Really well done, thank you! Great illustrations, covered everything really well, without requiring patience from the (probably already-frustrated) viewer. When all else fails, nothing like a little refresher to remind you that the reason it is not working is because you're doing EVERYTHING WRONG and it ALL MATTERS.