Learn how to solder
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factorz
Posts: 353
This might be a dumb question, but is there a good kit that can teach you to solder? The ones I have seen the iron looks cheap. Any recommendations? Thanks.
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This is a great beginner soldering station for about $16... As for the learning how, there are several good YouTube videos. Get an old junk circuit board and start practicing. While you are at it, pick up some solder-removal wick and practice that too - desoldering is harder than soldering, IMO.
https://www.parts-express.com/stahl-tools-stssvt-variable-temperature-soldering-iron-station--374-100
Too much gear, too little time.... -
Print this out for some bathroom reading material...
https://elsmar.com/pdf_files/Military Standards/Mil-Std-2000.pdf -
This is a great beginner soldering station for about $16... As for the learning how, there are several good YouTube videos. Get an old junk circuit board and start practicing. While you are at it, pick up some solder-removal wick and practice that too - desoldering is harder than soldering, IMO.
https://www.parts-express.com/stahl-tools-stssvt-variable-temperature-soldering-iron-station--374-100
That started me down the road to solderholic ..... I then went to circuit specialist (after they sent a link to special sales deal) and bought a 65watt "analog" station. I couldn't be happier with it, keeps great accurate stable tempeture. -
Ivan got so good at soldering that he's now the Simon Cowell of soldering.I disabled signatures.
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Soldering is straightforward.
Use good solder (I still like lead/tin alloys and of course use rosin, not acid core), a good iron, and wear pants.
Lots of good starter/practice kits:
Here's a suggestion:
https://www.jameco.com/z/JVP250-Deluxe-Electronics-Soldering-Kit_2245562.html
the kit part being...
https://www.jameco.com/z/SP-1A-Elenco-Electronics-Learn-to-Solder-Practice-Kit-No-Soldering-Iron_2161617.html
Velleman has lots of good and/or cute starter-level kits.
https://www.parts-express.com/search.aspx?N=4294967118&No=0&Nrpp=16&Nrs=collection()/record[endeca:matches(.,"P_PortalID","1")+and+endeca:matches(.,"P_Searchable","1")]&Ntt=velleman*+kit*&PortalID=1
or...
https://www.jameco.com/shop/StoreCatalogDrillDownView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&freeText=velleman kit&search_type=jamecoall
For PC boards, quick and decisive soldering is usually best; lingering can cause lifted traces
Point to point is, and isn't, easier.
Remember that a good physical junction comes first. Solder ain't glue 
From a vintage (classic!) EICO kit manual:
eico solder joints by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
eico p2p soldering text by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
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... and here's one from a very vintage Heathkit manual
EDIT: ooh, this is nice...
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/master/mbrs/recording_preservation/manuals/Heath Zenith Kit Builder's Guide Circuit Boards.pdf
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Ivan got so good at soldering that he's now the Simon Cowell of soldering.
LOL Scott I'm not THAT good... -
I am a certified IPC solder trainer. Let me know if you have questions.
