Do you hate to soldier?

16 Apr 2015

I seem have have a phobia or mental block when it comes to soldiering. First there is the iron heating up and waiting. Later I have to be careful not to burn me or the table. Ouch! So now to check was it a good joint. Oops! Try again until it is correct. So what am I to do? Here is a new tool that I am going to use:

Well to jog my memory... Oh where is that pen? Oh well next I need that string around the finger. LOL

Clem

Top Comments

johnbeetem over 9 years ago +4

I hate soldiering too. But I don't mind solder ing You've got to have the right power, temperature, and flux to make soldering a pleasure instead of a frustration. I haven't used lead-free solder, so maybe…
Former Member over 9 years ago +4

I find soldering quite relaxing just sit back, put on some music or a youtube video, get a coffee (or glass of wine if you're feeling adventurous about the future!) and take your time to enjoy it.
jw0752 over 9 years ago in reply to johnbeetem +3

Hi John, I agree with you 100% on the intoxicating quality of the solder from the kit building era. Once in a while I will be taking apart an old piece of equipment and I will catch a whiff of that smell…

Parents

4ringfan over 9 years ago

As a kid, I de-soldered literally thousands of components. All with an inexpensive weller corded soldering iron. I probably gave myself my asthma condition considering how much solder smoke I inhaled.

For the last 20+ years when I'm out in the field working on dental equipment that needed to be soldered, I would whip out my butane powered portable soldering iron. https://www.masterappliance.com/heat-tool-products/butane-powered/ultratorches/ultratorch-ut-100si I think that many of my skills suffered with the use of the Butane powered soldering iron. It always seems to be either too hot or not hot enough. Still can't quite beat the portability of it though, and it is still a good iron.

Recently I picked up a new temperature controlled bench hot air and soldering iron and I'm very much enjoying it and I am realizing what I've been missing all these years. Nice to be able to accurately control the solder flow.
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screamingtiger over 9 years ago in reply to 4ringfan

I like the butane one but also the exhaust has burned up things before. really nice in a pinch but yes, either too hot or too cold seems to be the story.
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screamingtiger over 9 years ago in reply to 4ringfan

I like the butane one but also the exhaust has burned up things before. really nice in a pinch but yes, either too hot or too cold seems to be the story.
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4ringfan over 9 years ago in reply to screamingtiger

Ah yes, the "waste gate" It has caused some damage for me before as well. Usually rotating the iron 180 degrees solved that problem though. The heat waste does have some use however! It works wonderfully to shrink heat shrink tubing!
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