Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
First....make sure you really want to solder it....if you're still arranging or if there's any chance of wanting to change something....wait to solder. Second...Radio Shack is usually convenient...but doesn't always have the best stuff. I have one of their solder stations, two heat levels...good solution but the iron seems to be big and bulky to me....but, that's just my opinion. Third....use flux sparingly...it's sticky and can make a big mess. Make sure you don't buy acid flux (used for plumbing)...it will cause you problems down the line (no pun intended). Fourth...go online to order solder (really, it's worth the effort)...instead of using the normal 60/40 tin/lead mix, get 63/37. This is either liquid or it's not...no intermediate "plastic" stage which can cause "cold" solder joints...it's usually used in high reliability applicaitons. Cost is not much difference. Get smaller diameter...the stuff at Radio Shack, Home Depot, etc is a little on the big side. Five....clean everything well...use alcohol....clean the solder as well...squeeze a light colored cloth around the solder and pull...you'll be amazed at the dirt that comes off....cleaning is time well spent. Doesn't take much... Six...keep the tip of the iron clean. Keep a cloth handy to wipe it, get a solder sponge to wipe it on, don't wipe it on your pants leg (especially if you're wearing them). Seven....before soldering, let the iron warm up, then melt some solder on it, this is called "tinning". Clean excess off. Tinning protects the tip and conducts heat better. Eight...if you need to unsolder something, apply a little new solder to the joint first...it helps transfer the heat better. As suggested earlier, find something to practice on first....if nothing else, one of the little perfboards at Radio Shack...a sacrificial piece of track....the process is simple...but like anything, the first time doesn't always have the desired result. Try it a couple times before you do the real thing.... My $.02 Tim T.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community