Neat video, quick and to the point. I've had a hard time with soldering together keyboards and re-capping 80s Apple computers :S maybe some flux and a proper soldering iron (rather than a cheap Princess Auto model) would help, but I also think my hands aren't very steady to begin with.
this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2023
25 points (96.3% liked)
Soldering
487 readers
2 users here now
This community is for electronic hobbyists to discuss projects and is focused on soldering. Everyone is welcome from the noob to people who have been soldering as a hobby for decades to people who solder professionally. We'll talk about materials and techniques, equipment, and projects. Everyone is welcome. All questions are welcome. Post photos and ask for help.
RULES:
-
All Lemmy.ca rules apply here.
-
Everyone (see rule 98) is welcome.
-
If you’ve seen a question 100 times answer it the 101st time or ignore it. Even better, write a complete, detailed answer and suggest that the mod(s) pin it to the community.
-
Don't tell other users what they should have done of that what you do is better. You do what you want to do and let other people do what they want to do. What is best for you might not be best for others.
[Did you actually think there were 98 rules?]
-
If you present something as fact and are asked to provide proof or a source provide proof or a source. Proof must be from a reliable source. If you fail to provide proof or a source your post or comment may be removed.
-
Don’t be a dick. Yes, this is a catch-all rule.
-
The mod(s) have the final say.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Thanks! The solder on old boards can be very oxidized which makes it harder to work with. It may also be an early lead-free solder which makes it VERY difficult to deal with. Early lead-free solders required higher temperatures and oxidized very easily. There are some very low temperature rework solders that you can use. You add the low temperature solder to the joint and it mixed with the original solder reducing it's melting point. Liquid flux will also help a LOT. Go onto Ebay and search for Kester 186. You can normally buy a small bottle for around USD$7. 100ml will last a LONG time.
Another thing that you should consider is buying a better pencil iron. You want one with temperature control, even if it's a fixed temperature. Temperature controlled irons pour on the power when you start to solder to keep your tip hot. Buying a good name like Weller or Hakko or Pace will help.
Have you considered using a wrist rest to steady your hands? I like diving lead weight bags. They're like beanbags but they weigh a LOT. You can buy them relatively inexpensively at most dive shops and even on Ebay.
Keep soldering.
Thanks for making content. Nice chickens too.
Thanks! The communities I mod are so weirdly diverse that I had to take a look to see which post you were commenting on.
I've always used flux paste - do you see better performance with the liquid compared to paste?
I use a squeeze bottle which let's me put the liquid flux exactly where I want it. I have paste flux on my solder shelf along with borax for silver solder.