Tips for Soldering

TIPS

• Make sure both sides fit perfectly (flush) & that the surface area is large enough.
• Remove the burr (that is filings and saw blade damage). Use some sandpaper.
• Keep solder edges absolutely clean fat & grease free.
• Make sure Flux & the Flux Brush are clean. Do not apply dirty flux to soldering area. Clean flux brush regularly.
• Leave a slight gap between solder edges for solder flow.
• Flux solder edges & place solder strategically.
• Use correct amount of solder.
• Set flame correctly & heat evenly. Distribute heat correctly (both sides of piece must reach flowing temperature of solder together).
• Never concentrate flame on the joint only – Solder will only flow properly when heat distribution is correct.
• Do not stretch solder further than it will or can go – it will cause overheating & destruction of the solder composition.
• If solder does not flow or stops flowing – STOP! Clean and start again. Be very careful NOT to leave acid residue in the seam.

TECHNIQUES

• Preplacement: Small pieces of solder are placed at the joint seam prior to heating
• Heat is then applied until the solder flows to the joint
• Feeding: The fluxed joint is heated to temperature and tip of the solder wire is fed into the joint and should melt on contact