Hi,
I’m drowning in info on the web, just want some recommendations.
After years of doing very shady soldering jobs on my guitars it’s time i got the proper kit and know-how to avoid brown-tinged joints and ruined pots.
First off - flux. Do i need it if i have rosin core solder? If so, can someone please recommend a type/brand? There appear to be thousands.
Secondly, recommend me a soldering iron? I’ve got an old maplin one which is adequate, but I’d be interested to know which type/brand people recommend.
Thirdly, de-soldering wick vs de-soldering suction gun thing - i have the latter but do i also need the former? If so, type/brand?
Many thanks,
Richard
Comments
Tip no 2: get a chisel tip in addition to the pointed tip, again a godsend for backs of pots
Tip no 3: use 60/40 rosin core solder. Very easy to work with, unlike the leadfree crap you get with kits usually
Tip 4: do get a suction pen thing (never had much luck with the wick myself). Works great to clean up pools of solder or quickly untin pot terminals
Tip 5: not 100% essential but a "helping hand" thing is very very helpful, especially to hold down wires to backs of pots while you flow your solder in. Really helps avoid cold joints that tend to happen when the wire moves as the solder cools. Can be found very cheap on eBay and the like
Many thanks - some good info there and also pleased to see I’m not too far off track with some of what I’m doing already.
Ive taken delivery of some 60/40 rosin solder and a flux pen, and I’m fairly sure i have a chisel tip lying around somewhere so I’ll give that a go. Helping hands are, as the name suggests, very useful!
Not sure the wattage of my iron, I remember doing a little research when i bought it and was aware of the wattage requirements, will check later.