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Next: 1. Try leaded solder 2. Learn wicking 3. Figure out how to connect adjacent holes in perfboard with a bit of solder. Or do I have to put 2+ leads into single hole? 🤔 4. More tinning-the-tip practice. 5. Try motor leads again Next level: build actual circuit.
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This is WAY harder than I remember it being 20y ago. Plus eyesight really sucks for such fine work now. Even with magnifying glass and reading glasses.
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Ok, much to report. I really leveled up my soldering game today 😎. First up, let’s try this tip tinner stuff. It’s a hard-packed powder… but it works! Stabbing tip in was hard but I kinda just rolled the tip and it it tinned it better than I can.
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Next up. Leaded vs. unleaded. I started with Wtctin unleaded and it was really hard, so I bought Wyctin unleaded to try. Then on reco, bought Kester in leaded and unleaded pen form factor. Latter is the test subject.
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For the test, I actually have a thing to do. Ordered some battery holders and one a set of with a broken lead. Let’s repair it with a butt join.
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Tried unleaded too (also Kester) and it didn’t work at all. Wouldn’t melt except if directly touched to tip. I ended up just using leaded for this second join. The A-B test turned into an A-A test. I thought my temperature (750) was high enough for both. 🤔
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I personally like keeping my soldering iron at 700. If I'm soldering stuff with a big heat sink I use a bigger tip so that my temp doesn't dip too much. Friends like advocate for 666 as a good temp. 750 is prob ok but much above that and tip oxidizes too quickly.
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I honestly can't remember for sure, but a quick browse of the sizes and my fuzzy memory makes me think 1.6mm is my standard most of the time size and 2mm+ for bigger things. I think 2mm is a medium size with 1.6 between med and small. But definitely not sure about these deets.
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Packaging lists it but all my stuff is in storage and I haven't soldered in couple years. Honestly, I would say that trial and error is the best advice I can give. There are some basic guidelines (smaller tip better for smaller stuff) but whatever works well for you is goal.
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