Post by Dominic A on Apr 16, 2015 16:20:08 GMT -8
This thread is designed to give you a place to find all the basics about soldering. I will be linking heavily to other websites because many great tutorials have already been written.
Basic Soldering Tools
Soldering Iron: This is what supplies the heat to melt the solder. If you don't plan on doing much soldering, a cheap iron is fine, but for more advanced work, a nicer iron is helpful
Solder: Solder is an alloy that easily melts to create the electrical connection. For beginners, you want thinner solder with a rosin-core (most electrical solders are that way)
Tweezers: Tweezers are necessary to place surface mount components. They allow you to place the components precisely while keeping your fingers away from the iron
Sponge: A damp sponge is used to clean excess solder off the tip of the iron.
Third Hand tool: Third hand tools usually contain a couple of alligator clips and possibly a magnifying glass. The clips are really helpful to hold components as you will have one hand holding the iron, and another holding the solder!
Soldering Flux: Flux helps clean up metals before the solder is applied. You only need this if you plan on soldering surface mount components
Soldering Wick: Soldering wick is a braided metal that can be used to remove excess solder on a connection or pad
Soldering Articles
A basic guide to choosing a soldering iron, prepping it, and soldering through hole components can be found here.
A video explaining how to solder surface mount components can be found here.
A video explaining how to remove surface mount components can be found here.
A video explaining how to solder header pins can be found here.
Basic Soldering Tools
Soldering Iron: This is what supplies the heat to melt the solder. If you don't plan on doing much soldering, a cheap iron is fine, but for more advanced work, a nicer iron is helpful
Solder: Solder is an alloy that easily melts to create the electrical connection. For beginners, you want thinner solder with a rosin-core (most electrical solders are that way)
Tweezers: Tweezers are necessary to place surface mount components. They allow you to place the components precisely while keeping your fingers away from the iron
Sponge: A damp sponge is used to clean excess solder off the tip of the iron.
Third Hand tool: Third hand tools usually contain a couple of alligator clips and possibly a magnifying glass. The clips are really helpful to hold components as you will have one hand holding the iron, and another holding the solder!
Soldering Flux: Flux helps clean up metals before the solder is applied. You only need this if you plan on soldering surface mount components
Soldering Wick: Soldering wick is a braided metal that can be used to remove excess solder on a connection or pad
Soldering Articles
A basic guide to choosing a soldering iron, prepping it, and soldering through hole components can be found here.
A video explaining how to solder surface mount components can be found here.
A video explaining how to remove surface mount components can be found here.
A video explaining how to solder header pins can be found here.