Soldering

[thejuice]

Been doing some soldering again for the first time since my junior cert (~1997). Wondering if there are others here who do a bit or for work. I'm doing now because my son is mad for electronics and we build stuff together but doesn't often require soldering.

Aside from a shaky hand and deteriorating eyesight, another problem I'm having is the tips of the iron disintegrate really fast. Barely get a few uses out of them. What might be going wrong. Poor quality tips, solder, or set too hot? I'm always quick to clean the excess off but doesn't make a difference. I don't remember this being a problem back in my school days.

[lurganblue]

Been doing some soldering again for the first time since my junior cert (~1997). Wondering if there are others here who do a bit or for work. I'm doing now because my son is mad for electronics and we build stuff together but doesn't often require soldering.

Aside from a shaky hand and deteriorating eyesight, another problem I'm having is the tips of the iron disintegrate really fast. Barely get a few uses out of them. What might be going wrong. Poor quality tips, solder, or set too hot? I'm always quick to clean the excess off but doesn't make a difference. I don't remember this being a problem back in my school days.

I'm absolutely no use to you here, as I only used the solder to punch holes through the plastic school chairs.

[johnnycool]

Been doing some soldering again for the first time since my junior cert (~1997). Wondering if there are others here who do a bit or for work. I'm doing now because my son is mad for electronics and we build stuff together but doesn't often require soldering.

Aside from a shaky hand and deteriorating eyesight, another problem I'm having is the tips of the iron disintegrate really fast. Barely get a few uses out of them. What might be going wrong. Poor quality tips, solder, or set too hot? I'm always quick to clean the excess off but doesn't make a difference. I don't remember this being a problem back in my school days.

Fine tips will go to shíte quickly if the iron is set too hot which you shouldn't need to do if you are using a flux.

I leave the solder on the tip when i finish rather than wipe the excess off, then give it a good clean the next time I use it with a bit of wire wool.

I held onto a few rolls of lead based solder when they were outlawed back in the 00's. The place I worked had to dispose of them so I assisted in that process.

Far better stuff to work with than the non lead based stuff, not that I do much now either, just the odd electrical/electronic repair that still comes my way.

Eyesight is shot also, so invested in those microscope glasses thingys.

[Milltown Row2]

Been doing some soldering again for the first time since my junior cert (~1997). Wondering if there are others here who do a bit or for work. I'm doing now because my son is mad for electronics and we build stuff together but doesn't often require soldering.

Aside from a shaky hand and deteriorating eyesight, another problem I'm having is the tips of the iron disintegrate really fast. Barely get a few uses out of them. What might be going wrong. Poor quality tips, solder, or set too hot? I'm always quick to clean the excess off but doesn't make a difference. I don't remember this being a problem back in my school days.

Fine tips will go to shíte quickly if the iron is set too hot which you shouldn't need to do if you are using a flux.

I leave the solder on the tip when i finish rather than wipe the excess off, then give it a good clean the next time I use it with a bit of wire wool.

I held onto a few rolls of lead based solder when they were outlawed back in the 00's. The place I worked had to dispose of them so I assisted in that process.

Far better stuff to work with than the non lead based stuff, not that I do much now either, just the odd electrical/electronic repair that still comes my way.

Eyesight is shot also, so invested in those microscope glasses thingys.

Hopefully you have it well ventilated  

[Jell 0 Biafra]

Did a little bit about 10 years ago, with some decent headphones where the wiring from the connecting insert was shot.  Only time since secondary school, but I did it a few times (as the mp3 player I was using at the time was usually thrust into my trouser pocket to the detriment of the connection).  Got a cheap soldering set from Circuit City here in NY. 

Thinking of doing it again to change some pickups from an electric guitar of mine.  But I find it very fiddly work, and my finished job is never exactly tidy.

[dec]

from Circuit City here in NY

that makes me nostalgic

[trueblue1234]

Do a bit on Christmas lights and the likes. Far from tidy, operational I call it as won't win any beauty contests but does what is needed. Don't do enough of it to get any better. Bit like the golf.
 But do get decent solder as it's worth the wee bit extra.

[Puckoon]

from Circuit City here in NY

that makes me nostalgic

+1. I don't think they ever filled the Circuit City in this City after it closed.

Jell O - what pick ups are you tinkerin with? I would like to put some p90s in an old Les Paul I have but, well - these skills are not my forte.

[Jell 0 Biafra]

Puckoon, more accurately, I'm thinking of replacing the casing the pickups are in. I recently bought a Gibson Les Paul Studio on the used market. It has the stock pickups which are more than adequate for my home playing purposes.  But while the body is in great shape, the gold casing on the pickups is quite tarnished.  So I'm deciding between leaving as is, and letting the guitar wear its history, so to speak, versus replacing the gold casing with new ones.  It wouldn't need much soldering to be honest (just heat the solder that seals the current casing, and solder the new one sealed once the pickups are inside). 

In fairness, knowing me, I'll end up not being arsed.

[Puckoon]

I do enjoy seeing guitars age with time! Enjoy in either case(ing)

[Jell 0 Biafra]

Thanks, Puckoon.  Very much enjoying it so far.

[thejuice]

Thanks for the tips. Definitely will be investing in magnifying glasses and clips to hold components/wires in place. Been using a heavy set of pliers to hold everything still and just about getting by.

[Tony Baloney]

Welcome to The Dull Men's Club.

[Milltown Row2]

Membership of the Men's Shed

[armaghniac]

Welcome to The Dull Men's Club.

we will just have to solder on.