Post by ChrisK on Aug 15, 2008 19:43:34 GMT -5
For Everyone's Information (and no one in particular), a general rant on soldering.
rant
The application of forced cooling air-streams to non-solidified solder joints is one of the primary causes of "cold" (as in not properly cooled and set) solder joints. I know it's hot, but hey, that's why we invented needle nose pliers.
"Cold" solder joints will often work OK....for a while. The lack of proper forming leads to internal corrosion.
The other leading cause is non-clean (oxidized, inappropriate materials, dirt,...) stuff.
ALWAYS use electronic rosin core solder.
NEVER use plumbing solder or flux.
ALWAYS use excellent ventilation in the work space.
Clean the completed joint with alcohol (and a Q-Tip) if possible. Don't get any alcohol inside any pots or switches.
And ALWAYS, if you're using lead-based solder (if you can still find it) WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING (such as food, your face or mouth, cigarettes, alcohol in other forms....).
From Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldering
Soldering defects
Various problems may arise in the soldering process which lead to joints which are non functional either immediately or after a period of use. The most common defect when hand-soldering results from the parts being joined not exceeding the solder's liquidus temperature, resulting in a "cold solder" joint. This is usually the result of the soldering iron being used to heat the solder directly, rather than the parts themselves. Properly done, the parts to be connected are heated by the iron, which in turn melts the solder, guaranteeing adequate heat in the joined parts for thorough wetting.
An improperly selected or applied flux can cause joint failure, or if not properly cleaned off the joint, may corrode the metals in the joint over time and cause eventual joint failure. Without flux the joint may not be clean, or may be oxidized, resulting in an unsound joint.
Movement of metals being soldered before the solder has cooled will cause a highly unreliable cracked joint.
/rant
(If you've been soldering in a bar or pub, and they've been putting up with you thru this, you may have to pay for the alcohol to help clean (out) the joint.)
rant
The application of forced cooling air-streams to non-solidified solder joints is one of the primary causes of "cold" (as in not properly cooled and set) solder joints. I know it's hot, but hey, that's why we invented needle nose pliers.
"Cold" solder joints will often work OK....for a while. The lack of proper forming leads to internal corrosion.
The other leading cause is non-clean (oxidized, inappropriate materials, dirt,...) stuff.
ALWAYS use electronic rosin core solder.
NEVER use plumbing solder or flux.
ALWAYS use excellent ventilation in the work space.
Clean the completed joint with alcohol (and a Q-Tip) if possible. Don't get any alcohol inside any pots or switches.
And ALWAYS, if you're using lead-based solder (if you can still find it) WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING (such as food, your face or mouth, cigarettes, alcohol in other forms....).
From Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldering
Soldering defects
Various problems may arise in the soldering process which lead to joints which are non functional either immediately or after a period of use. The most common defect when hand-soldering results from the parts being joined not exceeding the solder's liquidus temperature, resulting in a "cold solder" joint. This is usually the result of the soldering iron being used to heat the solder directly, rather than the parts themselves. Properly done, the parts to be connected are heated by the iron, which in turn melts the solder, guaranteeing adequate heat in the joined parts for thorough wetting.
An improperly selected or applied flux can cause joint failure, or if not properly cleaned off the joint, may corrode the metals in the joint over time and cause eventual joint failure. Without flux the joint may not be clean, or may be oxidized, resulting in an unsound joint.
Movement of metals being soldered before the solder has cooled will cause a highly unreliable cracked joint.
/rant
(If you've been soldering in a bar or pub, and they've been putting up with you thru this, you may have to pay for the alcohol to help clean (out) the joint.
)