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I am a terrible solderer
ChadTower:
Hrm... see, the tinning is part of what I am bad at. How exactly does one tin? When I do it, I end up with burned solder on the tip, that eventually just builds up and I have to take an emory board to the tip to get it off... I suspect my biggest problem is that the tips get dirty so fast the way I'm doing it, that they don't conduct heat well anymore.
edwardvci:
If your getting solder on the tip of your iron and want to clean it of do it while the iron is on take a damp sponge lay it on a flat surface with protection under it (meat of some sort)and wipe the tip on it. You will darken the sponge this is normal but you will have a nice clean tip.
Avery:
Trouble with tinning. Hmmmmmm.....
Also, are you sure you are using the right kind of solder? Solid plumbers solder requires a flux. Electricle solder has a flux core (it's not the same kind of flux, so don't even think it!
If that doesn't help, clean up your parts with some very fine sandpaper (like 800 grit) or a fine needle file. For solder to work it needs a clean surface.
rdagger:
I've experienced everything you mention when I learned to solder. You have to take care of your tip. If you can't tin it you might want to get another tip. As a beginner it's easier to solder if the tip is in good shape. I usually clean the tip on a wet sponge after every joint.
Paul Olson:
I tried the coldheat from radio shack. I think I am going to return it. It is hard to get a connection, most of the time, I have to exert quite a bit of pressure to get the workpiece hot enough. I'll test it some more, but I don't think it will be a keeper.
As to the topic, it takes a lot of practice! Keep the tip clean. Clean the area to be soldered to make sure there isn't any grease or anything else that could cause a problem.
I've heard a pencil eraser works well for cleaning, but I haven't tried it.
Paul
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