Electronic – Soldering question

fluxsoldering

Yesterday I soldered quite some things, but I'm still a beginner.

I noticed that sometimes it happened that sometimes I use to much solder. When trying to remove it, I heat the pin with solder so it melts, and when pulling back to clean the tip to remove the excessive solder, I notice that the remaining solder on the pin just after I remove the solder tip 'grows' and leaves some kind of circle/ball-form, as if there is some air inside it. I don't think this is very good (also the result looks like a ball.

I think this is because the flux is gone after the first try.

I tried solder wick but don't get very good results with it. Would adding flux with a flux pin help? (I ordered it, but haven't received it yet).

Of course the 'real' solution is to not use too much solder (I use already 0.5). But maybe there are better tips how to 'fix' pins with too much solder.

My soldering iron: Soldering iron

My solder: solder; size: 0.5 mm

Best Answer

As others have said, practice makes perfect. There are lots of videos on the web but unfortunately they don't all offer great advice. This series is great, John Gammell is a master. It would help if you told us what kind of iron/station you have and which lead alloy you are using.

You can do a lot of research (here's a good summary). Keep in mind that soldering is as much an art form as it is a science. People will argue up and down on which solder and flux to use like their lives depended on it. Ultimately, everyone develops their skills and finds their own preferences.

However, you can't go wrong with a Sn63/Pb37 solder with No Clean (NC) flux at a diameter of 0.020". Look for Kester, AIM or MG Chemicals for their solder line up. Order whatever is most convenient. Just stick with name brands and don't use cheap stuff ordered from the bargain bin in China.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Make sure your iron is powerful enough for the type of soldering you do. Large point-to-point soldering has different requirements for SMD or small TH. Ideally you have a temperature controlled station.
  • Make sure you have an appropriately sized and shaped tip for the work you are doing.
  • Make sure your tip is properly cleaned and not oxidized. Smother it in solder and then clean it in an wire-mesh waterless cleaner like this one
  • Make sure you apply flux generously. Flux is your friend :>).
  • If you have a station, set the temperature to ~360C. If you are dealing with large ground planes, you will either need a larger tip or a slightly higher temperature. Consider preheating the board first.
Related Topic