I'm using Verowire (wiring pencil, Road Runner, you name it) quite often to contact test points on my board to make them accessible for measurements (oscilloscope probe, multimeter clamp …)
Image source: Not a number.
Every now and then it happens, that the insulation will not melt away and make soldering the verowire almost impossible.
I usually have to cut off a piece and start again – which seems odd as some people are creating artworks with Verowire.
What I usually do:
- Temperature 350-400 °C
- Blob of solder on the iron
- Insert the end of the Verowire into the blob (usually melts the insulation and tins the wire)
- Solder wire to test point
Any points which I'm doing blatantly wrong in that approach?
Best Answer
Drag a scalpel blade along the bit you want to tin, making a bright copper spot, and dip into flux, before inserting into solder blob.
The insulation is self-fluxing once it gets up to temperature, but this trick gets copper into contact with hot solder immediately, speeding up the process.
Also, arrange a fan to remove the smoke; it contain isocyanates which aren't very nice to breathe.