It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Subscribe to our Patreon, and get image uploads with no ads on the site!
I fancy having a crack at making some of those BYOC fx pedals, Christmas is coming up and they look like a good present too....
My soldering is a bit weak, I've knocked together some cables, changed pups in the past but things tend to look a bit messy so I clearly need some practise.
So, can you lovely people offer some good, and simple projects i could use to refine my soldering technique? If I get a usable little gadget in the process then all the better. Or, is it simply a case of attaching wires to each other over and over again 'wax on, wax off' style?!
Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
Comments
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Thanks. I've heard that lead solder is the preference so will certainly give that a go.
I probably should get a new iron, mine is a little ancient, so any suggestions again would be really helpful. I've looked at Maplin, CPC etc. and there are so many.
I prefer silver based solder - I don't like the smell of lead solder.
I also find wiring guitars takes a fricking age with a 12-15 watt soldering as you'd use on a PCB. I use a 30 watt for guitars or I can't get stuff to connect to the back of pots.
If you used a 30watt on a PCB you risk damaging components like transistors and op-amps, also overheating the board so the trace comes away.
Most of the trick with soldering a pcb is putting the components in in the right order. start with resistors and start in the middle working outwards.
Trimming the legs neatly prior to soldering.
Getting a modelling tool to help hold a wire and pcb so you can hold the soldering iron and solder.
Keep the iron clean, tinning it so it distributes heat evenly.
I'd recommend getting some of this stuff:
and a cheap blister pack of resistors and spend a while trying different combinations ... solder it upright - so one end is right next to the other... solder it lengthways so it's 3-4 holes away.
The Antex soldering irons in Maplins are a little more pricey but okay - you want a fine tip for soldering components.
This station ....http://www.maplin.co.uk/c/gadgets-toys-and-hobbies/soldering?gclid=CPrt_tCLjckCFUg8GwodWuEO9g
Has served me well for some years. I was a keen Weller Magnastat fan but they are very expensive. The same unit can be had a bit cheaper if you look at CPC or Amazon.
Maplin no longer do 60/40 lead solder AFAIK but CPC etc do and it is easier to use than Pbfree, that said GOOD unleaded with some Silver content is pretty good.
For practice buy a Maplin One Watt amp kit (or the 7W) based on the LM386 chip. Makes a decent headphone guitar amp fed from 2xAA or makes a fair noise on 9volts. Can be used, as can the 7watter, as a signal tracer, handy test amp.
Dave.
Why!!! Do Maplin links always fuck up!
This one ....Code: N34FB
Dave.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
I have two of those stations and they are used virtually every day, one for the last four years with no issues.
60 watts may seem a lot but don't forget the lead free solder takes more heat to melt. Also solder larger components requires extra power. Iron temp is only really relatively to how proficient and how quickly you can work. Mine are always set on max, but I have been soldering most of my life. The temp control is great for learning and the options as you get better.
JM build | Pedalboard plans
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/soldering-iron-cleaning-accessories/0226287/
My be available elsewhwere ^. This stuff will clean the most tarnished bit.
Never attack a bit with a file or emery paper. You will go through the iron plating and render it useless.
Do not clean bits on a damp sponge, yes, I know it was the received wisdom but I have it direct from Weller that it shatters the plating, especially at Pbfree temps.
Use brass wool or, as I do, a wad of kitchen paper.
ALWAYS clean and flood tip with solder before you turn off. Only turn on the iron whilst actually working, modern temp' controlled irons are up to working in 30 seconds or so. so switch off while you pee/get a coffee.
Dave.
Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups ... Oil City Blog 7 String.org profile and message