Soldering Poll

[RichF]

The topic of soldering has come up many times in chat and MWO and I were wondering what kind of experience did you have before you joined the DIY Community.

[deplanche]

I checked none, since my only other soldering experience before DIYC was stained glass. Similiar, but not the same.

[stanward]

Professionally trained, but not as much experience as others. Been soldering since 1989.

Stan

[zaker]

Trained in Vocational-Technical High school, I've been soldering since 1980.

[n1ist]

Never formally trained, but have been doing hobby electronics since the early 80s, and working as a software and hardware engineer for the last 20+ years.

[davedz]

Learned to solder just after graduating high school in '75. Built a Heathkit amplifier that summer. Started hanging around Radio Shack, then got a job there. After that worked in an instrumentation engineering dept. where we built computerized devices, including soldering together all sorts of boards. That's a lot of soldering.
..dz..

[WireWrap]

Built a Heathkit Ham Radio station & two TVs back in mid 60's. Spent 21 years in US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician, where I was certified in Miniature and Micro-miniature PC board repair, 6 years as Computer maintenance, then 12 years as Communications Tech for the City. I've soldered a few joints (and wrapped a few wires as well). :D :D :D

[SeaHoCaptain]

Learned in high school some 30 years ago. Never really used the skills till now other than a wire here or there.

David

[Brad Riley]

Learned in electronics school/training in mid 80's.

Brad

[51fordf2]

Been soldering a LOT since around 1968. Man, that's a LOT of LEAD!!!

Someday I hope to get GOOD at it...

http://www.crbest.com/lmao.gif

Roger

[mwo040]

Thank you everyone for voting and reponding this helps a lot. Keep voting and responding as we will gain valuable developmental knowledge with this poll.

I grew up in Radio Shack. My parents owned a franchise store so I have been soldering since I could hold an iron.

[rshea]

only soldered pipe before nov 08 never electronics

[piesrule58]

I had never touched a soldering iron in my life until I made my first Grinch 12 mths ago.

[fab1973]

learned in high school, never formally trained.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

fabien

[Matt_Edwards]

electronic as a hobby. First soldering was a weller I conned my aunty to buy for a birthday.
was trained on AWA's production line

Coolest thing to do soldering is to us a solder bath to extract a 40pin DIL IC. get the solder pressure right and the chip pops out.
get is wrong and you either have a burnt or a flooded board.

Cheers
Matt

[omzig]

I taught myself to solder when I was 10 years old. My first major project was a Heathkit television. I was a regular customer of Heathkit in the 70's and early 80's.

[tdx]

Self taught many years ago for general stuff like wires with cheap stick irons and a big Weller gun. I started doing repairs to computer components a few years ago at work and got really good with lots of practice.

[rice66]

Many years ago as electronic amateur radio
hobbyists. Used point to point wiring with tubes etc. Graduated to pencil soldering irons mostly wellers to sophiscatred soldering stations. Have mastered some surface soldering for surface components, started out in high school classes circa 1956.
that equates to approx 53 years of expierence. (23 years in Navy)
Rice66

[ErnieHorning]

I’ve only been soldering for 44 years. I figured it out buy watching my dad when I was 8. I kind of figured out the oscilloscope the same way. I poke around the circuit, looking for when any kind of signal disappeared. Then I replaced a few things in the general area. It usually worked. Not bad for being 8 and no training.

I’ve used a lot of solder over the years but now I work mostly with surface mount so the average poundage per year has been dwindling.

[jstlucas]

I’ve used a lot of solder over the years but now I work mostly with surface mount so the average poundage per year has been dwindling.

Geesh, if only I could get my weight to do the same thing. (poundage dwindling)

[toodle_pipsky]

I had never touched a soldering iron in my life until I made my first Grinch 12 mths ago.

Exactly like you Terry - started from scratch. Except my abilities are still questionable!

[b_legg]

Learned the basics in a tech school in '88, got ISO 9000 certified in '93, got NASA certifications in '98....yep, believe it or not, NASA does have standards for that, and cable and harness fabrication, and fiber optics...personally though, I believe the ISO 9000 cert was more stringent. FYI...avoid kapton insulation...that stuff burns, FAST! (guess I shoulda set my iron a little hotter :D )

[Goldie]

Absolutely no experience, after 12 months 2 Grich's 2 Ren 64's 2 ren c (still not working) 48 SSR's now l can pick up the soldering iron without burning my fingers (most times that is)

[Jeff Millard]

I started soldering as a 9YO, helping an uncle to assemble a Heathkit TV. I took vocational electronics courses in high school. After joining the Air Force I was given several Field Training Detachment courses in soldering techniques. This covered things from tinning wire to be used in aviation, to soldering PCB's, to the use solder baths. I wish I had all those tools I used to use on active duty.

Jeff

[g2ktcf]

I never had any formal training. The only experience could be measured in minutes. However, I already knew the "theory" of how it should be done. I just need to get into the details a bit more.

Now, I am up to a few hours as I have built 2 REN64 and 21 SSRZ.

[Warlock]

I figured it out when I was shown the basics by watching a local tv repair place.He showed me all kinds of tricks to the wonderful art of soldering.Then when I took electronics in high school the teacher taught me a few more...Then the car audio game hit and was pretty strong so the crazy stuff we used to do required alot of soldering to extend wires for car computers etc...The 80's were alot of fun..
Joe..

[sjwilson122]

Took electronics in High School then US Navy electronics training, worked for Honeywell for a short time and had to be certified for soldering to NASA standards. Then into private sector as electronics tech from 1978-1983. Changed carriers in 1983 but kept hand in electronics as a hobby. And now I am here to feed my addiction to blinky flashy, so many things to build, so little time. Its already Feb., only 8 1/2 months to go before set up time, where is my soldering station..............................

[alhalseyjr]

This is probably a good place for a newbie to ask what would be a good soldering iron to purchase to start this soldering adventure. All the parts for my Grinch and SSR's have arrived so next step is to get the soldering gun.
Thanks for any recommendations,
Al

[WireWrap]

This is probably a good place for a newbie to ask what would be a good soldering iron to purchase to start this soldering adventure. All the parts for my Grinch and SSR's have arrived so next step is to get the soldering gun.
Thanks for any recommendations,
Al

AAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!

PLEASE, don't say that evil word - "g*n"!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Instead, think of a nice delicate iron. Your boards will love you for it.

This is a nice unit, but currently out of stock:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7508

The analog model is a little less expensive, and is in stock (as of this posting):
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

Welcome to the madhouse! :D :D :D

[chilloutdocdoc]

AAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!

PLEASE, don't say that evil word - "g*n"!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Instead, think of a nice delicate iron. Your boards will love you for it.

This is a nice unit, but currently out of stock:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7508

The analog model is a little less expensive, and is in stock (as of this posting):
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

Welcome to the madhouse! :D :D :D

I have the digital model and LOOOOOVE IT.
It's hot in like 15 seconds, and works like a charm, stand is also very nice.
found it to be cheaper than a 40W iron and a decent stand.

Also, if you spend $50+ they're running a "free gift" special, i got the Multi-Meter. it's nice...

Shipping can be pricey watch out

Note: Not affiliated w/ circuit specialists, just liked my experience.

[Wayne J]

I have the 1A. Very good unit. (back in stock now I see)

[g2ktcf]

I have the 2A...best investment I have ever made...

[cbell]

I've got the 2A as well. Works great! It's amazing how the quality of the joints I was producing went up simply by getting a better iron. I was using a cheapie hardware store iron, the 2A is well worth the extra money.

[Macrosill]

2A here also.

[bmcgeeny]

I’ve only been soldering for 44 years. I figured it out buy watching my dad when I was 8. I kind of figured out the oscilloscope the same way. I poke around the circuit, looking for when any kind of signal disappeared. Then I replaced a few things in the general area. It usually worked. Not bad for being 8 and no training.

I’ve used a lot of solder over the years but now I work mostly with surface mount so the average poundage per year has been dwindling.

Now wait a minute. Started when you were 8, been doing it for 44,,,,,,,,,, your bad at math aren't you? You told me you were only 32! Of course I didn't believe you. more like 36!

I don't hear much about it but I bought the Radio Shack Digital. $75. Did it cause I thought I'd buy off the shelf tips for it. Still have to order them in.

I can't beleive the difference it makes vs trying to solder with a $5 pencil iron from Menards or Lowes or HD

[51fordf2]

I don't hear much about it but I bought the Radio Shack Digital. $75. Did it cause I thought I'd buy off the shelf tips for it. Still have to order them in.

I can't beleive the difference it makes vs trying to solder with a $5 pencil iron from Menards or Lowes or HD

I realize it would be better than the $5.00 iron, but how well do you like it? I'm using a very old "one size fits all" Weller, and have looked to upgrade to the Radio Shack - it's a Madell A201 or something like that, just branded RS, but Madell gets $67 for it, plus shipping, so it's nice to buy "locally". But, RS doesn't carry the tips, so I've been holding off, figuring if I buy from Madell, and order a bunch of tips, I'm only paying shipping once. Looked at the 2A as well, but seems like they'll NEVER have them in stock, so kind of swaying towards the RS one.

Also, who did you order the tips from? Or were you saying you were hoping to buy them at RS, and found out you would have to order them. I talked to the local RS guy, the only one who's worked there long enough, to know what's going on, and he said they are planning to carry them, just haven't worked out a deal with the supplier. He also told me to watch the RS website, when they DO start carrying them, you'll be able to find them on the website - save a trip to check every week.

Anyway, would like to know how well you like it - my fellow employee also owns a RS, and gives me stuff at cost, so there's another few bucks savings...

R

[bmcgeeny]

I realize it would be better than the $5.00 iron, but how well do you like it? I'm using a very old "one size fits all" Weller, and have looked to upgrade to the Radio Shack - it's a Madell A201 or something like that, just branded RS, but Madell gets $67 for it, plus shipping, so it's nice to buy "locally". But, RS doesn't carry the tips, so I've been holding off, figuring if I buy from Madell, and order a bunch of tips, I'm only paying shipping once. Looked at the 2A as well, but seems like they'll NEVER have them in stock, so kind of swaying towards the RS one.

Also, who did you order the tips from? Or were you saying you were hoping to buy them at RS, and found out you would have to order them. I talked to the local RS guy, the only one who's worked there long enough, to know what's going on, and he said they are planning to carry them, just haven't worked out a deal with the supplier. He also told me to watch the RS website, when they DO start carrying them, you'll be able to find them on the website - save a trip to check every week.

Anyway, would like to know how well you like it - my fellow employee also owns a RS, and gives me stuff at cost, so there's another few bucks savings...

R

I love this solder station. I assumed it was made by a vendor but could not find and "exact" duplicate. It just says on the label "made for Radio Shack in China" no brand name. It heats to 842 degrees in about 30 seconds. It shows it's 60 watts so I don't know if you call that a 1 amp or 2 amp.

I ordered the tips at my local RS store. That is the only way to get them. They gave me part numbers and I tried to order them from their website but they don't even show them. Went into the store ordered, paid for them and they arrived in the mail in two days. I think from TX. I built ten Ren 24's with the first tip and it is still ok. I just bought spares to have them. I think I have 8 so they will probably last a lifetime.

[ErnieHorning]

The best that I can tell is that with cost you get better control and convenience. The higher cost will give more stable temperature, i.e. the cycle time will be faster and change temperature quicker. The higher cost will be more versatile and often weigh less.

At home, I have a Weller that’s probably similar to bmcgeeny’s. It solders the small parts rather quickly, but you need to hold it there longer with progressively bigger parts.

I use a $3000 Metcal system at work. It heats up in about 3 seconds and I can solder any part pin in less than 1/4 second. Yet I can also solder a transistor to a sheet of metal in a few seconds. With the cheap irons, I’d be soldering the iron to the metal or nothing at all. The iron weights about the same as a wooden pencil and the heating element is only a 1/4 inch.

[51fordf2]

I love this solder station. I assumed it was made by a vendor but could not find and "exact" duplicate. It just says on the label "made for Radio Shack in China" no brand name. It heats to 842 degrees in about 30 seconds. It shows it's 60 watts so I don't know if you call that a 1 amp or 2 amp.

I ordered the tips at my local RS store. That is the only way to get them. They gave me part numbers and I tried to order them from their website but they don't even show them. Went into the store ordered, paid for them and they arrived in the mail in two days. I think from TX. I built ten Ren 24's with the first tip and it is still ok. I just bought spares to have them. I think I have 8 so they will probably last a lifetime.

60 watts is .5 amp. It's a Madell AT201D, here's the link: AT201D (http://www.ntscope.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MTC&Product_Code=AT201D)

They sell the tips, too. You mentioned RS gave you the numbers - do you still have them, by chance? And did you have the shipped to the store, avoiding shipping charges?

I do a lot of soldering with my Weller, and I manage to get about a year out of a tip. Less, though, if I forget and leave it on, over the weekend (don't ask!!). :(

Thanks for the info,

Roger

[RichF]

Roger,
you can leave the soldering iron on all weekend as long as your are using it though out the weekend.

[wbuehler]

I have the following model a CSI 2900 and it works great

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8396

Bill

[51fordf2]

Soooo many choices, soooo little money!! :)

I'll add that to the list to look at - nice thing is, my Weller still works fine, just no heat control, so although I want a better one, I'm not in a great big hurry...

R

[omzig]

I have the following model a CSI 2900 and it works great

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8396

BillI have one too. A lead-free model is not a bad way to go, even if you're using leaded solder because they tend to have more precise temperature control and excellent recovery time. The only drawback is the tips cost more because the have a temp sensor built into them.

[wbuehler]

I have one too. A lead-free model is not a bad way to go, even if you're using leaded solder because they tend to have more precise temperature control and excellent recovery time. The only drawback is the tips cost more because the have a temp sensor built into them.

Omzig

You are one of the reasons why I got the one I did. :D