1. Soldering
Melt some metal

2. Why Soldering? Build your own components Fix a broken part
DIY hardware options
You like building/tinkering

3. Safety First Always be careful, you are working with extreme heat
Soldering irons melt metal
They will melt skin
They get very hot and can start fires
Never leave a soldering iron unattended

4. Basic Equipment Soldering iron Tips for the iron Rosin core solder
Well lighted work area
Clean work area

5. Soldering Iron Types Basic on/off Basic temperature controlled
Digital temperature controlled
(the one I use)

6. Available Tips Conical Spade Chisel I most often use the
conical tip when building
Christmas DIY projects

7. Optional Equipment Tip cleaner Extra hands Exhaust fan
Magnifying glass
Panavise

8. Panavise
Many models
Great for holding boards
Allow lots of movement

9. Solder Wire Basics Use rosin core I prefer 60/40 tin/lead solder
Size, I recommend .032 (7 or 8mm)
Roll size
Radio Shack has the small rolls
I usually get 1lb rolls

10. Soldering Process Heat soldering iron Clean tip Tin tip
Apply heat and solder to component
Touch soldering iron to one side of pin, touch solder to the other side of the pin
Allow solder to flow
Remove soldering iron briefly and retouch

11. Helpful Hints Solder most items at about 325° C/620 ° F
Larger items or components with heat sinks will need higher heat because they dissipate heat well
Bigger items like triacs, turn the iron up to 400° C/750 ° F
For triacs it may help to trim the legs to desired length before soldering

12. Desoldering You will have to do this Desoldering wick Solder sucker
Desoldering iron
Hot air station

13. Other Soldering Options
Soldering SMT components
By hand
Reflow/Skillet
Reflow/Toaster oven

14. Practice Options
Commercial solder kits
DIY solder kits

15. Website Links
Do It Yourself Lightanimation (wiki and soldering practice kits)
MPJA Online (solder station)
Solder Station Model 302A - part #15141 (the one I have)
Sparkfun – some good tutorials

16. Questions Q&A Demo technique Thanks for your time
Presentation available at