Soldering Irons
Safety
There are several safety precautions you should take when soldering:
Soldering irons can reach temperatures of 800 °F so it is important to keep it in a soldering iron stand when not in use
Only hold the soldering iron by the foam handle and avoid touching the tip or metal tube above it
Do not use your hands to hold components in contact with the soldering iron
Instead use tools like helping hands or tweezers to hold components
Use a fume extractor when soldering as it releasing harmful fumes
Please use the extractors from the ceiling and only use the desktop extractors when it is not possible
Safety glasses are recommended while soldering in case of splashes of hot solder
Do not eat or drink while soldering and always wash your hands after soldering!
Ensure no power is connected to your circuit while soldering
Ceiling fume extractors, please ensure they are on by feeling if they are sucking up air
Desktop fume extractors
The soldering iron and soldering iron holder
Rules
Only use solder provided by the makerspace
Do not use soldering irons for anything other than soldering electrical components
Please ask staff to change the soldering iron tips
How do I get access to this machine?
You must pass the the soldering quiz before you can use the soldering irons. For your first time soldering, please have a staff member demo its use. Soldering irons are kept in locked drawers, please show a staff member that you passed the quiz to use the soldering irons.
Materials
We provide solder free of charge.
How does it work?
Soldering is the process of connecting electronic components by melting solder around the connection point. Solder creates a strong and conductive bond. It can be thought of as conductive hot glue and creates a permanent connection. However, it can be undone through several desoldering methods.
