Author Topic: The Living Soldering Thread (Read 1852590 times)

SmallFry · « **Reply #50 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:36:35 »

I seldom use it, not recommended, but it works.

mashby · « **Reply #51 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 09:04:39 »

Quote from: SmallFry on Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:36:35

I seldom use it, not recommended, but it works.

And for the noobs monitoring this thread, when and how do you use the flux?

It doesn't appear to be necessary on keyboards, but apparently it "cleans things up". What exactly does it clean and how do you use it to clean?

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #52 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 09:11:59 »

Quote from: Internetlad on Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:29:35

Related note, how bad for you IS solder smoke? I'm sort of planning on getting set up in an attic becuase it's otherwise unused (sort of like alone time) but there are no windows, and running any sort of venting would require crawling through the rafters which really isn't my cup of tea. Is it possible to use lead free solder and not worry about the fumes, or is there some sort of air purifier that I could invest in that would clean the crap out of the air as I work? Maybe a mask?

Leaded solder used to give me ridiculous headaches if I didn't use the vents in the room after like 15 minutes. I would HIGHLY recommend you don't solder in an enclosed space until you figure out how to ventilate the area. I think Kawa posted how to make some cheap fume sucker/blow/fan things made out of cheapo Walmart fans and ducting. Let me go see if I can find it...or maybe Smallfry will see this post and link it.

metalliqaz · « **Reply #53 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 09:46:59 »

Quote from: SmallFry on Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:14:12

I use plumbers flux when I really need flux. Otherwise I just don't use flux.

You'd better get a proper flux pen to do that SMD work, bro.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #54 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 16:56:45 »

Hm, to build a manly table out of wood, sweat and blood or buy a plastic folding table like I use for my bedroom desk...

This is a question that you all should answer here.

Photekq · « **Reply #55 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:11:29 »

Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 16:56:45

Hm, to build a manly table out of wood, sweat and blood or buy a plastic folding table like I use for my bedroom desk...

This is a question that you all should answer here.

Make one yourself. I built one in like 2-3 hours out of wood and used an MDF sheet as a top. Sturdiest desk I have ever owned and only cost about £30. + It's huge

tjcaustin · « **Reply #56 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:18:03 »

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:11:29

Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 16:56:45
Hm, to build a manly table out of wood, sweat and blood or buy a plastic folding table like I use for my bedroom desk...

This is a question that you all should answer here.
Make one yourself. I built one in like 2-3 hours out of wood and used an MDF sheet as a top. Sturdiest desk I have ever owned and only cost about £30. + It's huge

That's exactly what I'm planning (I have a "scrap" piece of 3cm MDF that's a little over 1 sq meter).

The_Beast · « **Reply #57 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:20:06 »

Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:18:03

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:11:29
Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 16:56:45
Hm, to build a manly table out of wood, sweat and blood or buy a plastic folding table like I use for my bedroom desk...

This is a question that you all should answer here.
Make one yourself. I built one in like 2-3 hours out of wood and used an MDF sheet as a top. Sturdiest desk I have ever owned and only cost about £30. + It's huge

That's exactly what I'm planning (I have a "scrap" piece of 3cm MDF that's a little over 1 sq meter).

Melamine fiberboard should make a good top, just try not to burn through it

Photekq · « **Reply #58 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:21:35 »

Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:18:03

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:11:29
Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 16:56:45
Hm, to build a manly table out of wood, sweat and blood or buy a plastic folding table like I use for my bedroom desk...

This is a question that you all should answer here.
Make one yourself. I built one in like 2-3 hours out of wood and used an MDF sheet as a top. Sturdiest desk I have ever owned and only cost about £30. + It's huge

That's exactly what I'm planning (I have a "scrap" piece of 3cm MDF that's a little over 1 sq meter).

Sweet. How're you planning to do the frame?

tjcaustin · « **Reply #59 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 22:11:02 »

Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:21:35

Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:18:03
Quote from: Photekq on Sun, 28 April 2013, 17:11:29
Quote from: tjcaustin on Sun, 28 April 2013, 16:56:45
Hm, to build a manly table out of wood, sweat and blood or buy a plastic folding table like I use for my bedroom desk...

This is a question that you all should answer here.
Make one yourself. I built one in like 2-3 hours out of wood and used an MDF sheet as a top. Sturdiest desk I have ever owned and only cost about £30. + It's huge

That's exactly what I'm planning (I have a "scrap" piece of 3cm MDF that's a little over 1 sq meter).
Sweet. How're you planning to do the frame?

2x4s. Pics will come as I actually build. Gotta rearrange garage.

Internetlad · « **Reply #60 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 22:31:51 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Sat, 27 April 2013, 09:11:59

Leaded solder used to give me ridiculous headaches if I didn't use the vents in the room after like 15 minutes. I would HIGHLY recommend you don't solder in an enclosed space until you figure out how to ventilate the area. I think Kawa posted how to make some cheap fume sucker/blow/fan things made out of cheapo Walmart fans and ducting. Let me go see if I can find it...or maybe Smallfry will see this post and link it.

Incidentally I got a couple large lab tables from a school sale (they were demoing it and selling everything that wasn't being replaced, 2 high quality tables for 10 bucks each, woot.) so I just set the whole thing up where my PC is now located.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #61 on:** Sun, 28 April 2013, 23:44:39 »

Today's work included cleaning, reorganizing the garage and getting power to where I wanted to set up my work area. Here's where I stopped:

Tomorrow, I'll either be running to a fry's/wherever else to get the rest of my equipment and then building the table itself. Expect a basic write-up with materials used when it's finished.

keymaster · « **Reply #62 on:** Mon, 29 April 2013, 13:01:21 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Fri, 26 April 2013, 11:01:54

If you want to buy an Edsyn Soldapullt for desoldering, please buy it direct from Edsyn. Their customer service phone number is 818-989-2324. Their customer service reps are very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They will also usually quote you a lower price than what is listed on their web site (www.edsyn.com). The DS017 is the one I bought from them.

I have a hunch that some of the "Soldapullt" tools sold by Techni Tool through Amazon are knockoffs. Also, I know Amazon is convenient, but they are evil. Don't buy from Amazon, buy direct!

I'm just letting everyone know that I ordered mine from Amazon, received it today, and can confirm that it comes with the original Edsyn packaging. Thus, I think it's safe to assume that the ones sold on Amazon are original, not knock offs.

Edit: I took a pic of the unopened product

Internetlad · « **Reply #63 on:** Mon, 29 April 2013, 18:14:17 »

here's the same magnifying lamp as the one in the OP for a buck cheaper, and if you have Prime you get free 2 day shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038D8O7W/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and is this thing worth it over the damp sponge?

http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Cleaner-599B-02-Non-Corrosive-Needed/dp/B000PDQORU/ref=pd_sim_hi_4

bearcat · « **Reply #64 on:** Mon, 29 April 2013, 19:55:57 »

the damp sponge causes a sharp drop in temp at the tip, whether that's damaging or not is up to you. At $10, i think it's a no-brainer but YMMV.

bearcat · « **Reply #65 on:** Mon, 29 April 2013, 20:00:15 »

And to answer a question from earlier in the thread:

Flux is used to help make solder "flow" onto the hot sides of the joint. The flux melts at a lower temperature than the solder, and it basically cleans the impurities/oxidization/whatever off the metal, which lets the solder bond against the metal. It's usually some kind of pine or spruce rosin. Exposure to fumes is not really good -- beyond the obvious things it would do to you like irritate your lungs, it makes you more sensitive to the fumes, which sets up the kind of feedback loop you want to avoid on your body. Have a window open or a fan.

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #66 on:** Mon, 29 April 2013, 20:05:13 »

Quote from: Internetlad on Fri, 26 April 2013, 16:12:55

Might I suggest throwing a multimeter on the OP as well? for a lot of DIY projects if you're dealing with soldering, you might have to know power flow too.

As TJ mentioned, Fluke is the cream of the crop for multimeters.

Here's my input.
I purchased this multimeter awhile back: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQ4O2U/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works really well and is a good price, currently at $33. One thing I like about it is that the terminals light up to indicate which ones the leads should be connected to. This is really helpful if you're anything like me and cannot for the life of you remember to switch terminals when switching from voltage to current. A minor feature, but appealing nonetheless.
In addition to that, it reads voltages, currents, and confirms continuity. Everything I want it to.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #67 on:** Tue, 30 April 2013, 20:30:02 »

60/40 solder link was busted, so that was deleted.

Replaced the hakko fx888d and magnifying lamp link with cheaper options for both. Added a hakko fx808 link that was from same seller as the 888d

wcass · « **Reply #68 on:** Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:14:40 »

do we have anyone here that does fine SMD work for pay? i have a project that need more skill then what i have. i need to mount 1.5mm square package on 7 pads (x14). the PCB is 12" x 6".

tjcaustin · « **Reply #69 on:** Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:25:50 »

I'm sure there are a handful that will give you a shout.

Glissant · « **Reply #70 on:** Tue, 30 April 2013, 22:33:37 »

Weller WLC100, extra tips and flux ordered.
Thanks a lot for this guide, tjcaustin! Really came in handy, and I am sure it will continue to come in handy for me in the future too.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #71 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 05:53:46 »

To echo what Glissant said, I think I've referred a ton of ppl to this thread already and I'm going to be buying a Weller soon myself. Thanks for compiling all this into one thread TJ

jdcarpe · « **Reply #72 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 09:56:01 »

Because flames make everything ~~cooler~~ faster...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-FX888-Digital-Soldering-Station-W-Flame-Decals-RC-Slot-Racers-/171029853721

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #73 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 09:57:45 »

JD, does that mean you solder faster too?

Parak · « **Reply #74 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 10:44:17 »

Pace howto - uses $silly tools and tips but is still of interest:

NASA soldering requirements - good for everyone: http://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/links/sections/601%20General%20Requirements.html

mashby · « **Reply #75 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 10:47:24 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Wed, 01 May 2013, 09:56:01

Because flames make everything cooler...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-FX888-Digital-Soldering-Station-W-Flame-Decals-RC-Slot-Racers-/171029853721

If I could get just the decals, I would totally buy that.

They're silly and I'd probably regret doing it, but I still think it's fun.

BTW, I setup my soldering station over the weekend.

Ready To Solder by Michael Ashby, on Flickr

jdcarpe · « **Reply #76 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 11:31:32 »

I found branded decals for the Hakko 936 (or it's clone, the Yihua 936).

Purchase 936 decals here:
(blue) http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=70,289&PID=4564&Page=1 $17.37 + tax
(orange) http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?PID=4565&Page=1

HobbyKing has the Yihua 936: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19240__Soldering_Station_with_Adjustable_Heat_Range_USA_Warehouse_.html $16.51 + $13.11 shipping

mashby found the Hakko branded decals for the FX-888 on HakkoUSA.com.

Purchase FX-888 decals here: http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?PID=5027&Page=1 $16.67 + tax

tjcaustin · « **Reply #77 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 13:24:48 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Wed, 01 May 2013, 09:56:01

Because flames make everything ~~cooler~~ faster...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-FX888-Digital-Soldering-Station-W-Flame-Decals-RC-Slot-Racers-/171029853721

Show Image

The carbon fiber is the fast maker

domoaligato · « **Reply #78 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 13:44:24 »

I do not see any cutters mentioned yet and thought this might help others

Xcelite 170M General Purpose Shearcutter, Diagonal, Flush Jaw, 5" Length, 3/4" Jaw length, Red Grip
http://www.amazon.com/Xcelite-170M-General-Shearcutter-Diagonal/dp/B0002BBZIS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367433764&sr=8-1&keywords=xcelite+170m

edit: 100th post! w00t!

The_Beast · « **Reply #79 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 13:46:16 »

Quote from: domoaligato on Wed, 01 May 2013, 13:44:24

I do not see any cutters mentioned yet and thought this might help others

Xcelite 170M General Purpose Shearcutter, Diagonal, Flush Jaw, 5" Length, 3/4" Jaw length, Red Grip
http://www.amazon.com/Xcelite-170M-General-Shearcutter-Diagonal/dp/B0002BBZIS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367433764&sr=8-1&keywords=xcelite+170m

Not really needed for keyboards other than cutting LED wires, but still extremely useful

Another item to add might be a precision screw driver set

keymaster · « **Reply #80 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 13:55:31 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Wed, 01 May 2013, 11:31:32

I couldn't find the branded decals yet for the Hakko FX-888, but I did find some for the Hakko 936 (or it's clone, the Yihua 936).

Purchase 936 decals (only blue available) here: http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=70,289&PID=4564&Page=1 $17.37 + tax

HobbyKing has the Yihua 936: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19240__Soldering_Station_with_Adjustable_Heat_Range_USA_Warehouse_.html $16.51 + $13.11 shipping

More
Show Image

LOL it's like Hotwheels for grown-ups

mashby · « **Reply #81 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 15:35:25 »

They have the decals for the solder holder - http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?PID=5027&Page=1

jdcarpe · « **Reply #82 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 15:47:28 »

Quote from: mashby on Wed, 01 May 2013, 15:35:25

They have the decals for the solder holder - http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?PID=5027&Page=1

That will actually cover an entire FX-888. It just shows half the decals. I just ordered one!

Nice find! Did you go through all their part numbers or something? I couldn't find it linked in their system, but I didn't dig too deep, I guess.

Edit: I guess I could have searched on the site for "DECAL" huh?

Internetlad · « **Reply #83 on:** Wed, 01 May 2013, 16:31:11 »

Quote from: Parak on Wed, 01 May 2013, 10:44:17

NASA soldering requirements - good for everyone: http://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/links/sections/601%20General%20Requirements.html

Man NASA sure has a lot of rules. . . what do they think this is, Rocket Sci. . . oh.

Thechemist · « **Reply #84 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 01:37:24 »

At ~$56 best bang for your buck is the UNI-T UT61E DMM. Just make sure you clean the leads with alcohol when you receive it.
Some reviews show it overshoots but others don't, it could be fixed on newer revisions?
It is one of the best DC and AC DMM that also has TRUE RMS.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT61E-AC-DC-Modern-Digital-Multimeter-gl-/251267628025?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a80b7bbf9

It has nice feature that tests smd components and resistors with ease .

Quote

The test socket that is included can be used when measuring resistors and capacitors, both SMD and leaded components. It can also be used for transistor test, but not on this DMM model. Including this type of test socket is much safer than making extra holes in the meter for test connections.
Note: This socket uses the mAuA terminal, instead of the COM terminal, i.e. it requires that the meter supports this.

Some reviews.

More

domoaligato · « **Reply #85 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 10:33:10 »

could someone suggest a flux pen? I know there are alot of different types of flux and wanted to make sure I didn't get the wrong kind.

jdcarpe · « **Reply #86 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 11:08:15 »

If anyone is interested in a quality soldering station, but you can't really afford more than $50 for an iron, some used Hakko 936 soldering bases with iron holders just popped up on eBay for $25 plus shipping each. There are 6 left as of now, since I bought 2 of them. This is the discontinued predecessor to the Hakko FX-888, which is also now discontinued, replaced by the Hakko FX-888D. You will need to purchase a Hakko 907 soldering iron to go with it, which you can get for $9 shipped.

You could get the Weller WLC100 soldering station brand new for about the same price, but the WLC100 doesn't have an actual temp control, it only varies the wattage to the iron.

Hakko 936 base $25 + shipping

Hakko 907 iron $8.99 + FS

Quote from: domoaligato on Thu, 02 May 2013, 10:33:10

could someone suggest a flux pen? I know there are alot of different types of flux and wanted to make sure I didn't get the wrong kind.

This one looks good to me: http://sra-solder.com/product.php/7045/141/sra_99_20_rma_rosin_flux_pen_refillable

nubbinator · « **Reply #87 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 12:07:36 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Thu, 02 May 2013, 11:08:15

If anyone is interested in a quality soldering station, but you can't really afford more than $50 for an iron, some used Hakko 936 soldering bases with iron holders just popped up on eBay for $25 plus shipping each. There are 6 left as of now, since I bought 2 of them. This is the discontinued predecessor to the Hakko FX-888, which is also now discontinued, replaced by the Hakko FX-888D. You will need to purchase a Hakko 907 soldering iron to go with it, which you can get for $9 shipped.

You could get the Weller WLC100 soldering station brand new for about the same price, but the WLC100 doesn't have an actual temp control, it only varies the wattage to the iron.

Hakko 936 base $25 + shipping

Hakko 907 iron $8.99 + FS

That's pretty nifty. Right now I'm using a Weller with a homemade wattage adjuster made from a rotary dimmer.

keymaster · « **Reply #88 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 13:25:14 »

I just desoldered and soldered my first switch. Feels good, man.

I'm using the Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station and the Edsyn Deluxe Soldapullt.

Thanks for all the info guys, WFD especially.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #89 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 13:25:44 »

If your looking for some nice pliers and cutters look no further than lindstrom, the yellow 80 series is the way to go.

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #90 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 01:05:57 »

Quote from: mashby on Wed, 01 May 2013, 10:47:24

BTW, I setup my soldering station over the weekend.
Show Image

Ready To Solder by Michael Ashby, on Flickr

I know that's not my youtube video on your notebook's screen...

Quote from: domoaligato on Thu, 02 May 2013, 10:33:10

could someone suggest a flux pen? I know there are alot of different types of flux and wanted to make sure I didn't get the wrong kind.

It was just on the previous page:

http://www.amazon.com/Kester-951-Soldering-Low-Solid-No-Clean/dp/B004X4KOWS
http://sra-solder.com/product.php?xProd=7040

TheProfosist · « **Reply #91 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 12:55:43 »

so looking at some Kester no clean flux solder whats better 245, 275, or 285

tjcaustin · « **Reply #92 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 13:30:37 »

Quote from: mashby on Wed, 01 May 2013, 10:47:24

BTW, I setup my soldering station over the weekend.
Show Image

Ready To Solder by Michael Ashby, on Flickr

I just noticed that diskman in the background. Way to rep it old school.

mashby · « **Reply #93 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:05:08 »

Quote from: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 03 May 2013, 01:05:57

Quote from: mashby on Wed, 01 May 2013, 10:47:24
BTW, I setup my soldering station over the weekend.
Show Image

Ready To Solder by Michael Ashby, on Flickr

I know that's not my youtube video on your notebook's screen...

You better BELIEVE it! :cool: I needed a refresher before I started.

Quote from: tjcaustin on Fri, 03 May 2013, 13:30:37

I just noticed that diskman in the background. Way to rep it old school.

LOL! I was wondering if anyone was going to catch that. I totally forgot that thing was still around. The funniest part was that there was a disc in it -- the soundtrack from Hackers. ROTFLMAO!

Internetlad · « **Reply #94 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:08:19 »

Quote from: mashby on Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:05:08

LOL! I was wondering if anyone was going to catch that. I totally forgot that thing was still around. The funniest part was that there was a disc in it -- the soundtrack from Hackers. ROTFLMAO!

Your walkman doesn't have a PCI Bus to make it faster.

jdcarpe · « **Reply #95 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:09:14 »

Ha! I was just about to post this:

Quote

KATE
What the hell are you doing?

DADE
It's cool, I'm just looking.

KATE
It's too much machine for you.

DADE
Yeah?

Dade starts working furiously on it.

KATE
I hope you don't screw like you type.

Internetlad · « **Reply #96 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:10:03 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:09:14

Ha! I was just about to post this:

Quote
KATE
What the hell are you doing?

DADE
It's cool, I'm just looking.

KATE
It's too much machine for you.

DADE
Yeah?

Dade starts working furiously on it.

KATE
I hope you don't screw like you type.

Great minds think alike, I guess

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #97 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:15:08 »

Quote from: mashby on Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:05:08

LOL! I was wondering if anyone was going to catch that. I totally forgot that thing was still around. The funniest part was that there was a disc in it -- the soundtrack from Hackers. ROTFLMAO!

At least it's not a cassette player or records. Now those are ancient

Quote from: TheProfosist on Fri, 03 May 2013, 12:55:43

so looking at some Kester no clean flux solder whats better 245, 275, or 285

Any reason why you need no-clean if you're using solder wire? For keyboard application, it won't matter much between those 3. Just get the cheapest one. No-clean is good for liquid flux doing SMD work because most of it will just evaporate away.

metalliqaz · « **Reply #98 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 16:32:50 »

The hackers soundtrack was AWESOME. I still listen to it. The movie was lame, lets be honest, but definitely a cult classic.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #99 on:** Sat, 04 May 2013, 01:45:39 »

Work area is ready and waiting for the soldering stuff that should have gotten here today, I'll post pics and a how-to if anyone cares.

News:

Author Topic: The Living Soldering Thread (Read 1852590 times)