Soldering - How to

To Question:

• What should I do to prepare to do soldering?

• What are the risks to soldering, and how can I avoid getting hurt?

• What tools are needed to properly solder?

• What is the proper way to solder?

• What do I need to do to clean up after I'm done soldering?

• Where are soldering materials and tools stored?

To Watch:

Soldering Basics - Tools (10:42)

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Beginner Soldering Tutorial (3:57)

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How to Solder Electronics (6:52)

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Intro to Soldering (8:22)

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How to de-solder components (6:49)

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To Read:

Make sure you know what is in your solder, it is not always apparent on the reel label. If in doubt, ask.

Soldering Iron

• Use the best tip for the job (usually a chisel tip)

• Never touch the element of the soldering iron....400°C!

• Hold wires to be heated with tweezers or clamps.

• Keep the cleaning on the wet sponge during use.

• Always return the soldering iron to its stand when not in use. Never put it down on the workbench.

• Turn unit off and unplug when not in use.

Solder, flux and cleaners

• Wear eye protection. Solder can “spit”.

• Use rosin-free and lead-free solders wherever possible.

• Keep cleaning solvents (like rubbing alcohol) in dispensing bottles.

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after soldering.

Lead exposure

• Lead can give rise to serious chronic health effects. Exposure will primarily be through accidental ingestion from your skin, wear gloves if directly handling solder. Limited fumes may be generated by soldering.

Rosin exposure

• Rosin is a resin contained in solder flux. Flux generates the visible fumes seen during soldering. Exposure to rosin can cause eye, throat and lung irritation, nose bleeds and headaches. Repeated exposure can cause respiratory and skin sensitisation, causing and aggravating asthma. Rosin is a serious occupational health hazard.

Control of fumes

• Fume extraction should be through an enclosed hood (preferred) or tip extraction. Ideally these should vent to the outside. Tip extract units that use filter boxes should include both activated carbon and HEPA filters.

• Bench top filter extract systems may be used for rosin-free soldering in well ventilated areas (i.e. large volume work space or with mechanical air changes. Placement of these is important to performance, if in doubt ask.

• All extract systems should be maintained (i.e. change filters regularly).

Training and supervision

• All those soldering should be trained and supervised appropriately.

• If you do not know how to use the soldering iron and associated materials, get trained and passed off.

• If you are still new, or are uncomfortable using the soldering iron alone, ask for help.

Electrical Safety

• Do not use soldering irons that have obvious damage to body, cable or plug. If you see a damaged iron report it!

• Keep the soldering station free of electrical cables to prevent damage from the heated tip.

• Use a grounded outlet and grounding prong if a short circuit is a possibility.

Clothing and Attire

• Long hair can be a hazard. It could get stuck, burned or both. If you have long hair, tie it up, or tie it back out of the way.

• Jewelry can also be a hazard. Remove any bracelets, necklaces, rings, etc., when working with the soldering iron.

• Wear pants and closed toed shoes whenever possible.

Fire Prevention

• Work on a fire-proof or fire resistant surface.

• Wear fire resistant clothing (e.g. 100% cotton) that covers your arms and legs to prevent accidental burns.

• Know where your nearest fire extinguisher is and how to use it.

First Aid

• Immediate place any burns under cold water for 15 minutes.

• Report to a supervisor / director if burn is deep or extensive otherwise protect with a bandage.

• Know where the first aid kit is. If in doubt, ask.

Waste

• Collect waste solder in a lidded container or sealable bag.

• Label appropriately and dispose of as hazardous waste.

• Used solder sponges and contaminated rags should be placed in a sealable bag for disposal as hazardous waste.

Adapted from: https://safety.eng.cam.ac.uk/safe-working/copy_of_soldering-safety

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Storage

In addition to the safety protocols, proper storage of the soldering iron is vital.

• The soldering irons are stored in the desk drawers in the classroom.

• Soldering iron should never be hot when stored. It should always be allowed to cool to room temperature before being stored.

• Solder should always be kept in a small plastic bag so as to limit lead exposure.

• The soldering iron tip should always be tinned before it is stored. This helps extend the life of the tip.

To Do:

Take the quiz

Pass off your practical

Want to learn more? Here's a collection of articles / videos that you may enjoy:

Videos

Neopixels

Programming with Micropython

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Differences between various addressable LEDs

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Addressable LED Mapper

Articles

Soldering Safety Presentation

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What’s your Worst Soldering Job?