Useful tools and techniques

[Peter Daniel]

I wanted to start a thread where anybody could say something about favourite and useful tools they use as well as some helpful methods for doing things easier and saving time and money. I think it might be beneficial for all.

I know that I might not be breaking any new ground here, but probably not everybody is familiar with that tool, and I use it always when soldering. I can't imagine working without it and it is especially helpful when I need both hands and can hold that thing with my mouth. It is called Solder Dispenser and I got mine from http://www.percyaudio.com/ for $10.

[tvi]

I have been considering getting something like this
<a href="http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=105318&itemType=PRODUC T&iMainCat=10055&iSubCat=10059&iProductID=105318"> <img src="http://www.garrettwade.com/images//product/family/91G0105.jpg" ></a>
unfortunately the versions I have seen locally don't look that well made.

Might be useful when things are to big for a drill press , or if you don't have room for the drill press.

James

[BrianGT]

Peter,

speaking of soldier dispensers, what kind of soldier do you prefer to use?

--
Brian

[Peter Daniel]

I'm using Cardas solder because I got it really cheap. In less critical applications I'm using 2% silver. I never did listening comparisons as to the sound of differend type of solder. Check the following link: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...4970#post34970 (page 2). The guy who calls himself Scorpion and everybody thought was a rookie explained the sound of different types of solder better than anybody else on that forum.
What I also like to use when soldering is a no clean rosin flux. Sometimes when soldering big wires or binding posts the joint doesn't always look nice and shiny. I'm using small brush and wett that joint with liquid rosin flux and then heat it again. It always look perfect after that.

[fcel]

What about what kind of material do you guys use to wipe off the sometime dirty solder from the tip of the soldering iron? I have seen people use those steel wool for cleaning cooking utensils. I think they are pretty good and it cost only 25cts.

[Peter Daniel]

You can get special sponge for that purpose and when you wet it with water it works better than wool when using small tip.

[seangoesbonk]

Originally posted by fcel
What about what kind of material do you guys use to wipe off the sometime dirty solder from the tip of the soldering iron?

NEVER USE STEEL WOOL!!!

soldering iron tips are usually plated. (i think weller tips are iron plated copper) It you use steel wool to clean the tip, you will eventually remove the iron, leaving the copper exposed. the copper will oxide and the tip will be ruined.

using a wet sponge on a hot iron is the better way to clean the tip.

[Peter Daniel]

Actaully the copper shouldn't oxide because it would always be covered with solder which will protect against oxidization. The tip might wear off though.

[fcel]

When you guys said wet sponge, do you mean the regular sponge that we normally use in the kitchen/bathroom? If not, part number & vendor name please. Thanks.

[Peter Daniel]

EB1003. You should get yourself Digi-Key catalog. It's the fastest way to find out about something.