Author Topic: The Living Soldering Thread (Read 1889995 times)

tjcaustin · « **on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:46:12 »

Big thanks to jdcarpe for the initial help

I'm making this as a repository/dump for basic soldering advice with the influx of custom boards (gh60, phantom r2, kmac 2/happy, gh60++) for those of us interested in trying our hand at doing this ourselves.

I plan on keeping this fairly up-to-date with people's suggestions, tips and tricks but here's at least a basic shopping list to start.

Recommended for good soldering:
Soldering stuff store - http://sra-solder.com/

Soldering wick - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=341-550

Soldering flux

Kester 44 .032 diameter solder(.020 for SMD) -
63/37 - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=370-074
.020 - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=370-072

Solder spool holder - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=370-345

Helping Hands soldering too - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=360-670

Magnifying lamp (I say requirement, but really you can get away without this, but anything to reduce eye strain is a good) - http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200514197_200514197

Jeweler's Visor - http://www.amazon.com/Jewelers-Lighted-High-Power-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B005VR19ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388723286&sr=8-1&keywords=jeweler%27s+glasses

Multimeter - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA04E0BA8503&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-_-pla-_-Electrical+Testers-_-9SIA04E0BA8503

Solder Smoke Absorber - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=370-358

Heat gun - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=360-386

Budget ($50):
Edsyn CL1481 kit (includes tips/tools/soldapullt) - http://www.edsyn.com/product/ST/CL1481-K.html
NOTE - mkawa will be making a better version of this kit with more robust stuff through the geekhackers store, but it won't be anywhere close to this bargan basement pricing

Mid-range ($100 - 300):
Soldering
Edsyn 951SX - http://www.edsyn.com/index.php?Mode=piw&pn=951SX
Hakko FX888D- http://www.ebay.com/itm/170990362664?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Desoldering -
Edsyn soldapullt III - http://www.edsyn.com/index.php?Mode=piw&pn=DS017 OR
Universal soldapullt - http://www.edsyn.com/index.php?Mode=piw&pn=US140

Baller (the rest):
Soldering

Edsyn 2020 (what I use for work) - http://www.edsyn.com/index.php?Mode=piw&pn=2020

Desoldering -
Hakko FR-300 - http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FR300-05-FR300-De-soldering-carrying/dp/B00KWM69C4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1413769433&sr=8-4&keywords=hakko+desoldering

Thread Update with new links (June 17, 2017):

http://www.edsyn.com/product/CL1481-K1.html - $93.50
http://www.edsyn.com/product/951SX.html - $168.50
http://www.edsyn.com/product/PT109.html - $16.80
http://www.edsyn.com/product/US140.html - $10.64
http://www.edsyn.com/product/2020.html - $466.20

metalliqaz · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:55:24 »

Tip tinner. Need that tip tinner.
Also let me put in my vote for the fantastic, all American Weller WES51

L4yercake · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:57:01 »

Something I've been wondering is what replacement tips should I get for the Hakko FX-888?

metalliqaz · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:58:35 »

Quote from: L4yercake on Thu, 25 April 2013, 21:57:01

Something I've been wondering is what replacement tips should I get for the Hakko FX-888?

Any tool worth anything should come with a manual that lists proper replacement part numbers. If you don't have it, try Hakko's website.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:00:14 »

Both suggestions added to appropriate sections.

The_Beast · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:02:38 »

Not a fan of soldering wick, I like suckers more.

The best:
http://www.amazon.com/Edsyn-Deluxe-Soldapullt-DS017LS-Static-Safe/dp/B0019V5HRA/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1366945331&sr=8-17&keywords=solder+sucker

bavman · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:07:02 »

Need to add flux. That stuff works magic

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:17:49 »

For the people completely new to soldering...
A quick tip that I learned real early in class, but a bit after I first began soldering:

Don't just heat up the solder enough to melt it and then touch it to the metal hoping it will stick - it will stick, but you will likely get a cold solder joint. You should ideally heat up the component enough to make the solder melt when you touch the solder to the metal. This will give a nice looking solder joint.

Take this with a grain of salt when soldering PCBs (which is what you'll be doing when soldering switches). If you overheat the metal pad it can spread heat to the board and cause warping or melting. There's a sweet spot of heat to apply and it may take some time and practice to get good at this.

keymaster · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:30:35 »

I'll be monitoring this thread

thanks for the info

tjcaustin · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:44:30 »

Quote from: The_Beast on Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:02:38

Not a fan of soldering wick, I like suckers more.

The best:
http://www.amazon.com/Edsyn-Deluxe-Soldapullt-DS017LS-Static-Safe/dp/B0019V5HRA/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1366945331&sr=8-17&keywords=solder+sucker

I have, literally, two different soldapullts in the mid tier. Sure, neither are the ESD safe ones, but still

SmallFry · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:02:39 »

Cheap solder wick is like cheap hookers, they look nice until they don't suck. Nice wick is VERY good at sufficient temperatures. I prefer it to a sucker, but you can't just wash a roll of wick out like you can a solder sucker

Gupgup · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:05:31 »

Quote from: SmallFry on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:02:39

Cheap solder wick is like cheap hookers, they look nice until they don't suck. Nice wick is VERY good at sufficient temperatures. I prefer it to a sucker, but you can't just wash a roll of wick out like you can a solder sucker

Man, you love that joke

Quote from: The_Beast on Thu, 25 April 2013, 22:02:38

Not a fan of soldering wick, I like suckers more.

The best:
http://www.amazon.com/Edsyn-Deluxe-Soldapullt-DS017LS-Static-Safe/dp/B0019V5HRA/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1366945331&sr=8-17&keywords=solder+sucker

Agreed, and I just ordered this one yesterday

Gupgup

SmallFry · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:08:52 »

Quote from: Gupgup on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:05:31

Quote from: SmallFry on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:02:39
Cheap solder wick is like cheap hookers, they look nice until they don't suck. Nice wick is VERY good at sufficient temperatures. I prefer it to a sucker, but you can't just wash a roll of wick out like you can a solder sucker

Man, you love that joke
Gupgup

Yeah... well, I made it up the other day, though I'm sure someone has said it before me. Still funny.

)

mistakemistake · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:10:56 »

I don't know if I'd consider the Aoyue 'baller'.. Nice list otherwise though

tjcaustin · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:32:39 »

Quote from: mistakemistake on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:10:56

I don't know if I'd consider the Aoyue 'baller'.. Nice list otherwise though

It was an easy descriptor of price. Is it worthwhile?

esoomenona · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:36:22 »

Quote from: SmallFry on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:02:39

cheap hookers, they look nice until they don't suck.

Something tells me you're not too aware of how hookers work...

mistakemistake · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:38:55 »

Quote from: tjcaustin on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:32:39

Quote from: mistakemistake on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:10:56
I don't know if I'd consider the Aoyue 'baller'.. Nice list otherwise though

It was an easy descriptor of price. Is it worthwhile?

I've used that model specifically not too long ago. I feel that the weller wes51 performs much better. The the 968 is actually a budget/entry level setup for rework stations.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 00:59:23 »

Quote from: mistakemistake on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:38:55

Quote from: tjcaustin on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:32:39
Quote from: mistakemistake on Thu, 25 April 2013, 23:10:56
I don't know if I'd consider the Aoyue 'baller'.. Nice list otherwise though

It was an easy descriptor of price. Is it worthwhile?

I've used that model specifically not too long ago. I feel that the weller wes51 performs much better. The the 968 is actually a budget/entry level setup for rework stations.

Would you say that a rework station would be a good idea for those that want to do light SMD stuff plus other soldering or should that be left to more experienced people?

(I'm asking these questions in as much as to get them out for people to read as anything.)

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 01:06:18 »

Aoyue in general is well priced for what it offers, but it's not really a high end brand, especially that model you linked. I have a Aoyue rework station, but a higher end one. A hakko or weller with similar features would be in the thousand $ range.

damorgue · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 01:14:57 »

I would pick eutectic solder instead. I might include flux in that list as well, and I would move most of what you have put under required to recommended.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 01:20:13 »

Quote from: damorgue on Fri, 26 April 2013, 01:14:57

I would pick eutectic solder instead. I might include flux in that list as well, and I would move most of what you have put under required to recommended.

Flux added and header changed to recommended.

Quote from: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 26 April 2013, 01:06:18

Aoyue in general is well priced for what it offers, but it's not really a high end brand, especially that model you linked. I have a Aoyue rework station, but a higher end one. A hakko or weller with similar features would be in the thousand $ range.

That's fair, and like I said (and could stand to be more clear in OP, admittedly) the baller tag was solely for the amount of money more than anything else.

Again, though, is a rework station too much for a typical geekhacker?

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 02:02:22 »

Yeah, rework station is overkill for keyboards. Hot air is great and all, but there are not a lot of opportunities to use it for keyboards. You won't be able to solder or desolder with hot air when switches are around, because they'll melt. There are not many cases where you're forced to do SMD soldering, and even if you are, you can do it perfectly fine with just an iron. The only thing you really need for good soldering is ~$40 variable temp iron, rosin-core solder, and a sponge. Add in a solder sucker or desoldering iron if you ever desolder switches. Separate flux is highly recommeded, but everything else is just accessories (helping hands, magnifying glass, spool holder, etc).

SmallFry · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 07:46:47 »

I agree. I seldom use a spool holder as well as a magnifying glass, but they're nice to have when needed.

metalliqaz · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 08:07:33 »

One of these tip cleaners is much better than a sponge, IMHO
http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Cleaner-599B-02-Non-Corrosive-Needed/dp/B000PDQORU
I would never use a sponge on my nice fine tips.

Also, that reminds me, you need very small soldering tips for SMD work, get good ones. Also always chisel or screwdriver tip.

mashby · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 10:15:09 »

Surprised no one has suggested the Hakko 808 Desoldering Kit. Probably overkill for most folks, but I think it could be listed as "baller".

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 10:17:44 »

FWIW, that 808 is used at Mechanical Keyboards

jdcarpe · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 10:22:47 »

I did suggest it!

It's not overkill. It's the best time saver if you do much desoldering.

xavierblak · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 10:50:37 »

As another desoldering option I like the spring-loaded plunger style vs the blub. But it's probably all what you get used too.

http://www.amazon.com/Tenma-21-8240-Vacuum-Desoldering-Iron/dp/B008DJRYIG/ref=sr_1_18?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1366990910&sr=1-18&keywords=Desoldering

SmallFry · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 10:51:32 »

For first time solders I suggest an old alarm clock or VCR or some similar product that will have lots of through hole components. You will have the opportunity to rip something apart, as well as learn to desolder, and resolder if you're ambitious. Better to screw over a VCR than a $100+ keyboard.

jdcarpe · « **Reply #29 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!

damorgue · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:53:01 »

Also, no one took note of eutectic solder. Why do you keep using 60/40? Perhaps there is a reason I have missed there?

jdcarpe · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:55:41 »

Quote from: damorgue on Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:53:01

Also, no one took note of eutectic solder. Why do you keep using 60/40? Perhaps there is a reason I have missed there?

I use 63/37 Kester "44" now. I used to use 60/40, but now I know better.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #32 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:27:00 »

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!

the silverstat deluxe st least isnt a knock off someone contacted edsyn and they said they brand if for them.

SmallFry · « **Reply #33 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:27:31 »

Quote from: jdcarpe on Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:55:41

Quote from: damorgue on Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:53:01
Also, no one took note of eutectic solder. Why do you keep using 60/40? Perhaps there is a reason I have missed there?

I use 63/37 Kester "44" now. I used to use 60/40, but now I know better.

63/37=60/40 solder.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #34 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:27:34 »

Ok so i need some good which what brand shout i be looking at maye some other specs

TheProfosist · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:29:29 »

Quote from: SmallFry on Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:27:31

Quote from: jdcarpe on Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:55:41
Quote from: damorgue on Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:53:01
Also, no one took note of eutectic solder. Why do you keep using 60/40? Perhaps there is a reason I have missed there?

I use 63/37 Kester "44" now. I used to use 60/40, but now I know better.
63/37=60/40 solder.

4% silver solder>62/36/2>63/37>60/40

Internetlad · « **Reply #36 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:29:35 »

this is right up my alley. Looking to do some small electronics work this summer. better believe i've got this thread on notify

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?

jdcarpe · « **Reply #37 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:32:49 »

I ordered one of those cheap "Yihua 936" Hakko clones from HobbyKing. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:37:06 »

Quote from: damorgue on Fri, 26 April 2013, 13:53:01

Also, no one took note of eutectic solder. Why do you keep using 60/40? Perhaps there is a reason I have missed there?

I have several sizes of 63/37 for PCBs and electronics, and one small roll of 60/40 in size 0.040" just to tin my iron tips. It's a good practice to use 63/37 composition for all PCB related stuff, but it's not really mission critical to do so, so 60/40 will be ok. Price difference between 63/37 and 60/40 is only a few bucks for a whole roll, so might as well get the better one.

The composition with silver is just an utter waste of money for keyboard soldering.

Dreamre · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 14:52:23 »

Great thread.

I will need to pick up a couple of these to change my switches.

tjcaustin · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 15:31:50 »

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

this is right up my alley. Looking to do some small electronics work this summer. better believe i've got this thread on notify

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?

http://www.thebgawarehouse.com/Aoyue-486-ESD-safe-Benchtop-Solder-Smoke-Absorber?ref=lexity&_vs=google&_vm=productsearch&adtype=pla&gclid=CL2Zl6uW6bYCFQVV4AodKjYAPg I'll put this here tentatively for discussions for now.

Added 63/37 solder.

Also, will be getting my soldering equipment plus materials to build a dedicated soldering area soon and will post pictures if I remember.

Internetlad · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 16:12:55 »

Quote from: tjcaustin on Fri, 26 April 2013, 15:31:50

http://www.thebgawarehouse.com/Aoyue-486-ESD-safe-Benchtop-Solder-Smoke-Absorber?ref=lexity&_vs=google&_vm=productsearch&adtype=pla&gclid=CL2Zl6uW6bYCFQVV4AodKjYAPg I'll put this here tentatively for discussions for now.

Duly noted. Thanks.

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.

metalliqaz · « **Reply #42 on:** Fri, 26 April 2013, 17:18:11 »

I use eutectic solder (63/37) myself. I like Kester 245 with the no-clean rosin, 0.020".

tjcaustin · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 00:37:53 »

I'll gladly put popular multimeter options up. I like fluke, but they're expensive.

Gupgup · « **Reply #44 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 00:40:19 »

Hey WFD or anyone that knows, I'm looking for a flux pen similar to the one WFD uses in his SMD video, anyone know a good one?

Gupgup

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #45 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:01:36 »

I'm surprised no one mentioned flux yet. There are several types: Rosin, water soluble, an no-clean. Just get the no-clean stuff because it's volatile and the excess just evaporate after a certain time. The other fluxes should be cleaned because they're corrosive to the contact points. And if you're going to clean flux, use isopropyl alcohol (99% if you can find it, available on amazon). I use SRA no-clean flux pen.

tjcaustin, maybe list SRA in the OP. It's a go-to place for all soldering products, and they have a lot of in-house stuff.

http://sra-solder.com/

Gupgup · « **Reply #46 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:08:19 »

http://sra-solder.com/product.php?xProd=7040

This one? Thanks for the quick reply bud.

Gupgup

tjcaustin · « **Reply #47 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:09:36 »

Quote from: WhiteFireDragon on Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:01:36

I'm surprised no one mentioned flux yet. There are several types: Rosin, water soluble, an no-clean. Just get the no-clean stuff because it's volatile and the excess just evaporate after a certain time. The other fluxes should be cleaned because they're corrosive to the contact points. And if you're going to clean flux, use isopropyl alcohol (99% if you can find it, available on amazon). I use SRA no-clean flux pen.

tjcaustin, maybe list SRA in the OP. It's a go-to place for all soldering products, and they have a lot of in-house stuff.

http://sra-solder.com/

People have mentioned flux, but discussions haven't really solidified into recommendations of what to get.

SmallFry · « **Reply #48 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:14:12 »

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

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #49 on:** Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:35:39 »

Not sure if you're just stating that or recommending, but you shouldn't use plumbing flux for PCBs. Or at least clean it completely off afterwards. Plumber flux is acidic so it works well for very oxidized and corroded surfaces, but the flux itself causes corrosion over time. Flux is cheap, just get the correct kind.

Quote from: Gupgup on Sat, 27 April 2013, 01:08:19

http://sra-solder.com/product.php?xProd=7040

This one? Thanks for the quick reply bud.

Yeah that's the one. It's basically the same thing as the Kester 951 flux pen.

http://www.amazon.com/Kester-951-Soldering-Low-Solid-No-Clean/dp/B004X4KOWS

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Author Topic: The Living Soldering Thread (Read 1889995 times)