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How To Get Started In Soldering

popularmechanics.com

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Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#31

Post by galleywest200 »

bambax wrote: post #24

> just be careful not to overspend on your first iron. I first learned how to solder on an ultra-cheap hardware-store unit, and you should, too I beg to differ. I used to suck at soldering, and while I'm still no expert, swapping my €20 basic soldering iron for a serious Weller unit (starting at €150) changed everything. The Weller heats up almost instantly, goes up as high as you want, and stays at a constant temper…

In this case of soldering I agree, as the tool really does make it easier. Generally for most hobbies I tell people to buy the "cheapest" they can find and if they use it until it breaks then buy the most expensive one you can afford.

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#32

Post by anamexis »

nimajneb wrote: post #27
the__alchemist wrote: post #25

- No mention of tip types/quality - No mention of flux outside that embedded in the solder - No mention of braid etc - Recommends a wet sponge to clean (This shocks the tip) - Defaults to leaded solder without mentioning the risks (I admit this is hot-take territory!)

What do you suggest other than wet sponge to clean the tip? I usually try and use a damp sponge, instead of a wet one. This is how I learned like 20-25 years ago as a kid though. I never learned how to professionally solder.

This type with a brass or copper scrubber work great:

https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Cleaner-599B-Water-free-Hak...

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#33

Post by nocman »

was_a_dev wrote: post #6

> Much like the ability to drive a car with a manual transmission, read a map, or write a check, Gen Z is learning less and less about how to work with their hands—and it’s time for that to change. Ugh. Let's talk down the youngest generation of adults to justify a basic tutorial article. Ironically no one of Gen Z, that I know of, is unable to do any of those examples.

While I can see why you might take that as "talking down the youngest generation of adults", I don't think that is necessarily the author's intention.

All three of those examples are things that many people from Gen Z often don't ever do. They are also all still valuable skills that I believe are still worth knowing.

I agree that it is bad to talk down to people just because they are young. It is also bad to dismiss people because they are significantly older than you are. Both parties miss out when those things happen. Younger people often have more energy and free time, and their excitement about what they are learning can be energizing. Older people often have experience that is tremendously valuable. You can learn a great deal from someone with years of experience in a field in which you have interest.

I think one of the unfortunate things about the internet is it is far too easy to default to being combative, and assume the worst about what others are saying. And yes, I include myself in that as well as others.

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#34

Post by blackfawn »

nimajneb wrote: post #27
the__alchemist wrote: post #25

- No mention of tip types/quality - No mention of flux outside that embedded in the solder - No mention of braid etc - Recommends a wet sponge to clean (This shocks the tip) - Defaults to leaded solder without mentioning the risks (I admit this is hot-take territory!)

What do you suggest other than wet sponge to clean the tip? I usually try and use a damp sponge, instead of a wet one. This is how I learned like 20-25 years ago as a kid though. I never learned how to professionally solder.

"Brass wool", basically a clump of brass shavings, is quite popular as well. I sometimes use that, sometimes use a damp sponge and I don't find any giant difference between the two. Some people say the brass type are better (more thorough cleaning, less thermal difference, etc.) and some say they are worse (wears the plating off the tips faster)

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#36

Post by TrackerFF »

Whenever I teach soldering to someone, I try to keep it short - and tell that the only things they really need to know is

1) Keep the surfaces of the two metals you want to solder clean. That means removing rust, oxidation, dirt, etc. If possible, make a mechanical connection.

2) The three metals (surface A, surface B, solder) need to be equal temperature.

9 out of 10 times, the solder errors I see are due to the above points. It is important to purchase an iron that can get hot enough for the things you want to solder together, and which can control the temperature well enough.

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#37

Post by reaperducer »

was_a_dev wrote: post #6

> Much like the ability to drive a car with a manual transmission, read a map, or write a check, Gen Z is learning less and less about how to work with their hands—and it’s time for that to change. Ugh. Let's talk down the youngest generation of adults to justify a basic tutorial article. Ironically no one of Gen Z, that I know of, is unable to do any of those examples.

Let's talk down the youngest generation

You're not the younger generation anymore.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Alpha

no one of Gen Z, that I know of, is unable to do any of those examples.

"That I know of" is the hallmark of Gen Z: Thinking that their experiences are the only experiences.

Taking the manual transmission example, there were a number of items in the news back when manual transmission was more common about Millennial and Gen Z would-be car thieves being unable to drive away because they didn't know how to use a stick.

But since you didn't know them, they must not exist.

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#38

Post by TurkishPoptart »

dustinsterk wrote: post #35

I would recommend starting with a kit so that you also get the benefit of feeling like you created something valuable as your practice/learn. Something like this is great for the price! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X13KY6S

have you used this one? I'd like to buy it, I'd just want to hear that someone used this successfully.

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#39

Post by nimajneb »

blackfawn wrote: post #34
nimajneb wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What do you suggest other than wet sponge to clean the tip? I usually try and use a damp sponge, instead of a wet one. This is how I learned like 20-25 years ago as a kid though. I never learned how to professionally solder.

"Brass wool", basically a clump of brass shavings, is quite popular as well. I sometimes use that, sometimes use a damp sponge and I don't find any giant difference between the two. Some people say the brass type are better (more thorough cleaning, less thermal difference, etc.) and some say they are worse (wears the plating off the tips faster)

I actually forgot about the brass you're talking about. I've seen it used, but never used it myself. I only occasionally solder though, just a few times a year either to fix something or to make a simple electronic project kit. I rarely do it correctly, I usually just heat my iron up and solder the item, the only thing I do generally is "tin" what I'm soldering first.

Re: How To Get Started In Soldering

#40

Post by onceiwasthere »

galleywest200 wrote: post #31
bambax wrote: post #24

> just be careful not to overspend on your first iron. I first learned how to solder on an ultra-cheap hardware-store unit, and you should, too I beg to differ. I used to suck at soldering, and while I'm still no expert, swapping my €20 basic soldering iron for a serious Weller unit (starting at €150) changed everything. The Weller heats up almost instantly, goes up as high as you want, and stays at a constant temper…

In this case of soldering I agree, as the tool really does make it easier. Generally for most hobbies I tell people to buy the "cheapest" they can find and if they use it until it breaks then buy the most expensive one you can afford.

It's kind of interesting how handling this well varies from hobby to hobby and is tricky to balance from person to person. There's the argument that you don't want to spend too much until you get a feel for how interested you are but there's also the effect of quality of tools on enjoyment/annoyance/learning curve that has a big effect on interest a lot of the time. I guess, you're always just gonna wanna google around to get a better idea, but sometimes there's not great googleable info.
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