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Soldering Problem
vibez:
I'm trying my 1st attempt at soldering. I'm trying to tin some wires. I've tinned & cleaned my iron.
I put the wire on the iron for about 1-2 seconds then then apply the solder to the wire for 1-2 seconds. The problem is that the solder jumps straight from the wire on to the iron's tip, leaving no solder on the wire at all.
Any idea what is causing this?
grueinthebox:
Sounds like you need to heat the wire longer. If you get the wire hot enough, you'll be able to touch the solder to the wire and it'll wick into the wire itself. 1-2 seconds isn't long enough to get the wire hot enough.
vibez:
Ok i'll give that a try. All the guides I have read say that the iron shouldn't be in contact with any components for longer than 3 secs or you will damage them. I guess that doesnt apply with wire?
RayB:
You can't damage wire (other than melting the rubber off it).
They are referring to stuff like chips, capacitors, etc, where heating for too long damages those parts.
Just as the solder melts, remove the iron quickly. Don't give it a chance to seep up onto it.
vibez:
Cheers guys. I'll give it another go tommorow & let you know how I get on