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Definition
Definition
"Soldering is the process of joining two or more electronic parts together by melting solder around the connection."
Form permanent connections between electronic components.
Soldering Equipment
Soldering Equipment
Soldering Iron - a hand tool that uses high heat to melt solder
Iron Holder - holds the soldering iron (should be the only thing holding the iron while idle)
Sponge - cleans oxidation, flux, and leftover metal from soldering iron tip
Solder - a meltable metal alloy used to join two or more metal pieces together without melting the pieces themselves
Flux - used to clean metal surfaces and help molten solder flow and bond properly
How to Solder
How to Solder
Soldering Safety
Soldering Safety
Soldering irons can cause severe injuries or cause damage if handled incorrectly. We will not tolerate improper usage at club meetings.
If you are unable to follow these safety guidelines, you will not be allowed to use our equipment.
Handling the Iron
Handling the Iron
Hold the iron by the handle. Avoid the hot upper half of metal.
Set the iron in the iron holder whenever you are not using it. Never set it on anything else.
Clean the iron before and after use using the wet sponge.
Do not exceed intended operating temperatures.
Wash hands after use.
Soldering Fumes
Soldering Fumes
The smoke produced when soldering is typically from Rosin-based flux. Exposure can cause eye and respiratory irritation.
Wear eye protection
Work in a well-ventilated area
The classroom we hold meetings in has the door open and fans running
Position head away from rising fumes
Leaded vs Unleaded Solder
Leaded vs Unleaded Solder
Leaded solder is easier to work with, but comes with the risk of ingestion.
Wash your hands thoroughly after working with solder (both leaded & unleaded).
Iron Temperatures
Iron Temperatures
Leaded: 315°C - 370°C
Unleaded: 350°C - 400°C
Keep irons below 400°C to help them last longer.
If your iron is having trouble melting solder:
Do not increase iron temperature
Clean off the tip using the sponge and solder with flux
Apply a bit of solder on the tip to help with heat transfer
Basics of Electrical Theory
Basics of Electrical Theory
Ohm’s Law: V = IR
Voltage (V) =
Supplied by the battery
Ground is 0 volts
Current (I) x
The rate at which electrons flow through circuit
More current, more power
Resistance (R)
Limits current
Necessary to prevent LEDs from burning out
Short Circuits
Short Circuits
Caused by bridging connections with solder.
Current flows through the path of least resistance.
Can be easily created when soldering
Not good
Breaks components
Can cause fire or worse
Fixing Short Circuits
Fixing Short Circuits
In the almost guarenteed event that you need to undo something, use a solder sucker to remove excess solder.
Most soldering kits should come with a solder sucker. Here is a quick tutorial on how to use one.
Soldering Practice
Soldering Practice
Before you begin soldering the components for your lightsaber, do a few practice joints to get the hang of it. Soldering is an art form, and it takes practice to do well.
Practice until you feel comfortable. You will make mistakes. It's part of the DIY process.
Solder 2 ends of a wire together.
Solder 2 ends of a wire together.
Cut a short wire
Strip both ends
Add heat shrink to one end
Twist ends together
Follow How to Solder
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