I just solder on top of a huge mousemat I bought lolI guess you didn't have any problem so far, did you?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EG7WB8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nope.I just solder on top of a huge mousemat I bought lolI guess you didn't have any problem so far, did you?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EG7WB8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Fair enough. Thanks.Nope.I just solder on top of a huge mousemat I bought lolI guess you didn't have any problem so far, did you?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EG7WB8C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use a silicone baking mat. Good up to about 600F
http://amzn.com/B001LUYK1I
No problems so far.
Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/QIT5NpT.jpg)
This is what I solder on, using the panavise to hold said work.
If your still looking for something I usually just solder with one of the Craft cutting mats under and they are pretty cheap too!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-S0530-Am-Tech-Cutting-Mat/dp/B001IOZUHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424172269&sr=8-1&keywords=craft+mat (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-S0530-Am-Tech-Cutting-Mat/dp/B001IOZUHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424172269&sr=8-1&keywords=craft+mat)
They usually work well as its thick and you can do pretty much anything on them.
As for the silicone baking mat, considering that the iron is at 700 degrees or more when I use it, that probably will melt to.
I solder on my TekMat, if you are holding the soldering tip on your board long enough to damage the mat you've already ****ed the board.
For something that will hold up to soldering iron temperatures and be anti-static, it will cost you. I wish that I could find a link, but nothing comes to mind at the moment.
Or you could not obsess over it and just get those cutting mats. But this is geekhack, so obsession is inherent.
As for the silicone baking mat, considering that the iron is at 700 degrees or more when I use it, that probably will melt to.
Ahh right sorry I didn't even read that :XIf your still looking for something I usually just solder with one of the Craft cutting mats under and they are pretty cheap too!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-S0530-Am-Tech-Cutting-Mat/dp/B001IOZUHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424172269&sr=8-1&keywords=craft+mat (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-S0530-Am-Tech-Cutting-Mat/dp/B001IOZUHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424172269&sr=8-1&keywords=craft+mat)
They usually work well as its thick and you can do pretty much anything on them.
Cool that's what I was looking for at the beginning. If the option I thought of is more expensive I'll go this one I think. Thank you.
As for the silicone baking mat, considering that the iron is at 700 degrees or more when I use it, that probably will melt to.
Actually, silicone rubber melts at around 900F, its recommended working temp is up to 600F. I don't know of a rubber that is commonly available that has a higher working temperature. The baking mats are reinforced with a glass for even more heat resistance.
The timeless solution is thick leather. The iron can mark it but will be unable to burn through it.
If you want something that will absolutely not melt, you'll have to go with some type of glass/silica fabric such as that used in welding blankets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lyQf_vQnfM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lyQf_vQnfM))
As for the silicone baking mat, considering that the iron is at 700 degrees or more when I use it, that probably will melt to.
You solder at 700 deg+? That's interesting. If you're using Kester solder, it should be around 650-675 deg in my experience.
Like Joey Quinn said, if you're damaging or melting the mat, you've probably torched the PCB anyways.
I would rather the mat get melty and burned than the surface underneath.
Mkawa uses a sheet of Carbon Fiber on his desk. That would work.
Mkawa uses a sheet of Carbon Fiber on his desk. That would work.
This sounds sweet, anyone have pictures?
Mkawa uses a sheet of Carbon Fiber on his desk. That would work.
This sounds sweet, anyone have pictures?
Here's a really bad picture of it but that's all I got. You can kind of see it at the bottom.Show Image(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/10467576006_830f1b9bd5.jpg)
If you have the money to spend and want static safe as well, get in touch with mkawa and ask him about is CF mat.
If you have the money to spend and want static safe as well, get in touch with mkawa and ask him about is CF mat.
Carbon fiber is static dissipative? Also, the resin that is used in the CF is likely going to be far less temperature resistant than the CF itself..
As for the silicone baking mat, considering that the iron is at 700 degrees or more when I use it, that probably will melt to.I solder on my TekMat, if you are holding the soldering tip on your board long enough to damage the mat you've already ****ed the board.
You solder at 700 deg+? That's interesting. If you're using Kester solder, it should be around 650-675 deg in my experience.
Like Joey Quinn said, if you're damaging or melting the mat, you've probably torched the PCB anyways.
I would rather the mat get melty and burned than the surface underneath.For something that will hold up to soldering iron temperatures and be anti-static, it will cost you. I wish that I could find a link, but nothing comes to mind at the moment.
Or you could not obsess over it and just get those cutting mats. But this is geekhack, so obsession is inherent.
Mkawa uses a sheet of Carbon Fiber on his desk. That would work.
Obsessing over something that is essentially sacrificial is a bit silly. Go with the Alvin or SilPat and move on to obsessing over the board.
As for the silicone baking mat, considering that the iron is at 700 degrees or more when I use it, that probably will melt to.I solder on my TekMat, if you are holding the soldering tip on your board long enough to damage the mat you've already ****ed the board.
You solder at 700 deg+? That's interesting. If you're using Kester solder, it should be around 650-675 deg in my experience.
Like Joey Quinn said, if you're damaging or melting the mat, you've probably torched the PCB anyways.
I would rather the mat get melty and burned than the surface underneath.For something that will hold up to soldering iron temperatures and be anti-static, it will cost you. I wish that I could find a link, but nothing comes to mind at the moment.
Or you could not obsess over it and just get those cutting mats. But this is geekhack, so obsession is inherent.
Mkawa uses a sheet of Carbon Fiber on his desk. That would work.
Obsessing over something that is essentially sacrificial is a bit silly. Go with the Alvin or SilPat and move on to obsessing over the board.
Looks like I'm soldering at a bit too high of a temperature. That explains a lot.
Obsessiveness tends to not be selective. Where to turn it off is completely subjective. But good point.
Well, the default temperature on the iron was like 700, and I was having some flow issues, so I pumped up the temp. Some higher quality solder probably would help, I just bought what was at Fry's when i purchased the soldering iron.
Well, the default temperature on the iron was like 700, and I was having some flow issues, so I pumped up the temp. Some higher quality solder probably would help, I just bought what was at Fry's when i purchased the soldering iron.
Try this, also as CPT said 650-675 is pretty ideal, I use 660. Also if you use flux make sure to clean the PCB with pure isopropyl, some flux (there are a few types) can corrode contacts over time if left on the board.
http://www.amazon.com/Kester-Rosin-Core-Solder-Dispense-Pak/dp/B00AYJ0B7Y/ref=sr_1_9?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1424203585&sr=1-9
Yea, thanks, I generally only use flux for desoldering components that I will toss in the electronic waste rubbish bin, I don't find it necessary for soldering, that's for sure.
Yea, thanks, I generally only use flux for desoldering components that I will toss in the electronic waste rubbish bin, I don't find it necessary for soldering, that's for sure.
I only really use flux for soldering finicky smt parts and desoldering.
What is flux?
Flux is goo. It covers components from outside, air which would otherwise cause oxidation at high temperatures. The most important result is a reduced risk of cold joints.
I use a silicone baking mat. Good up to about 600F
http://amzn.com/B001LUYK1I
No problems so far.
As long as you dont go around stabbing your desk with a soldering iron just about anything will be fine :p :))
Flux is goo. It covers components from outside, air which would otherwise cause oxidation at high temperatures. The most important result is a reduced risk of cold joints.
AFAIK it only prevents oxidation while you're soldering, which does reduce cold joints. But you should still clean off remaining flux because most (more of it is corrosive than isn't) of it is corrosive and will damage the board over time.
If it says you can leave it on you should be fine. The only flux I use that requires cleaning is the stuff I use at work. Also I use Kester 44 but I still clean it to make the solder job look nicer.Flux is goo. It covers components from outside, air which would otherwise cause oxidation at high temperatures. The most important result is a reduced risk of cold joints.
AFAIK it only prevents oxidation while you're soldering, which does reduce cold joints. But you should still clean off remaining flux because most (more of it is corrosive than isn't) of it is corrosive and will damage the board over time.
Could you possibly elaborate on that? I'm pretty sure I saw that my solder was safe to leave on, but if not I'd like to clean it off before leaving it on for too long or selling it. It was kester(sp?) 63/37. Got it from geekhackers
So what mat are you gonna get?
So what mat are you gonna get?
I have no clue so far. I have far too many choices and I have other stuff to buy first. Especially some storage unit because I have a tiny room and it is starting to have to many stuff laying around. I don't like it. Plus when I'll be buying all the tools needed for my DIY project, I need to be able to put them somewhere. I looked for some 2nd hand stuff tonight. Once it is bought, I'll look more into the soldering mat.
As of now, what I am thinking is that I want something that doesn't require delivery. I'll see what I can find the closest to me and if there is nothing in my town, I'll reconsider ordering online. However I want to thank you guys, I didn't expect so many answers and so many choices given. I'll make sure to give you update of what I decide to buy.
No I don't think so. I'm looking for the cheapest effective method. So I'll just go through the options and select the one which fits the criteria the best.So what mat are you gonna get?
I have no clue so far. I have far too many choices and I have other stuff to buy first. Especially some storage unit because I have a tiny room and it is starting to have to many stuff laying around. I don't like it. Plus when I'll be buying all the tools needed for my DIY project, I need to be able to put them somewhere. I looked for some 2nd hand stuff tonight. Once it is bought, I'll look more into the soldering mat.
As of now, what I am thinking is that I want something that doesn't require delivery. I'll see what I can find the closest to me and if there is nothing in my town, I'll reconsider ordering online. However I want to thank you guys, I didn't expect so many answers and so many choices given. I'll make sure to give you update of what I decide to buy.
Ha! Sounds like we only confused you more.