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Differentiating solder: Different types of wire can be difficult
to identify from one another and from other wire on your bench once they have
been used. Hammer one end of the wire,or color the end with a magic marker for
quick easy identification.Keep wire solder separate from other wire
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Hints for sucessful soldering
* Use the smallest amount of solder neccessary to make a good solder joint.Do
not flood the joint with solder.
*Pieces to be soldered should fit tightly together with no air space between
*The joint and solder must be clean.Prior to soldering,flux all surfaces well
with the proper flux to prevent oxidation ,which can inhibit solder flow
*All pieces being soldered should reach soldering temperature simultaniously
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Soldering Basics
Follow these steps to ensure a strong,professional-looking joint
CLEAN: Solder won't flow on a dirty or greasy surface.Use a detergent cleaner and an abrasive pad, or an abrasive such as pumice powder to remove dirt or grease from the metal being soldered.You can also steam-clean the work pieces
FIT: Components,findings and joints must fit tightly together.Large gaps in joints and poorly matched junctures between parts ,create a poor solder joint which could result in pitting of the solder or in a weak joint that could break.Occasionally, solder simply will not fill a poor fitting area.
FLUX: Flux prepares the metal surface to recieve the fluid solder.When applying flux,make sure it is in contact with the solder at all times and that it touches both metal parts being joined.Some self-pickling fluxes also help dissolve oxides.Keeping the joint oxide-free is important for creating the ideal soldering surface
FLAME: Use either a neutral flame [equal parts oxygen &
gas] or a reducing flame [more gas than oxygen].This is not applicable if you
are using a butane pencil torch.
The metal adjacent to the joint must reach the neccesary temp. before solder
will flow.First ,concentrate the heat on the surrounding surface,then on the
joint to be soldered.Remember, solder flows to the hottest part of the surface
and toward the flame.
FOLOW UP: Follow-up after soldering ,use a mild acid pickle
to clean nonferrous metals.This removes oxides and other soldering residues
prior to finishing.When storing solders,keep them free from dirt and grease.Sheet
solders may be cleaned to remove dirt or residue.
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**You can get more free tips at your local library **
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