View Full Version : learn how to solder?
android6011
10-04-2008, 09:29 PM
I was hoping to learn how to solder. Right now I pay a guy to do solder work for me, everything from repairs to modchip installs. I was am interested in learning how to do things myself and thought maybe somethign like this http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/misc/ck1102.htm would be a good start, but I want a soldering iron that would be good for all my electronics uses. What do you guys think of this kit? What do you recommend for me learning how to start soldering and what equipment? Thanks
mikec
10-04-2008, 10:15 PM
Right now in my bag is one of these, I think. All of the markings are gone and I am going on visuals. http://www.newark.com/87F1625/tools/product.us0?sku=cooper-tools-weller-sl325 Not the highest tech thing out there but it served me well while I was doing maintenance on broadcast audio and video gear.
That kit may be worth the $$, but you can also find things at local shops as well. Most small to large cities have decent electronics stores, plus there is the internet. Find a basic board design and purchase the components and have at it. As long as you don't hurt yourself or another, or damage the house, who cares if it goes POP and doesn't work. You are learning something.
On top of a good iron, good cutters and needle nose and maybe something to hold your work should be considered. An inexpensive meter also helps. Not all of this needs to be bought at once, buy when you can.
You might want to check rev3's Systm show, especially the early ones with David Randolph like: #14 (http://revision3.com/systm/tools/) and #3 (http://revision3.com/systm/avcabling/).
It wasn't until watching Systm that I realised how differently Americans pronounce the word "solder"... ie sodd-er rather than soul-der. :)