Soldering techniques: Soldering on, not soldiering on

Soldering is a skill that has a steep learning curve associated with that said for those who brave its trials and remain committed to learning it, will find themselves with a new lifetime skill. What exactly is soldering then? Soldering is the process whereby metals are combined together by melting a metal with a low melting point (usually a metal which will melt at a lower temperature than the metals to be joined.) This binding metal is known as the solder, and whilst technically demanding is an extremely rewarding skill to learn. Remember, whilst it may take a while, mastering soldering techniques will mean that the final electronic product you create is much more reliable and is more durable.

Regardless of your skill level, one guaranteed way to have an inferior result is by not taking careful care of your soldering iron or the metals. Before you can even begin to practice your soldering techniques, you have to ensure that all parts, materials and tools are cleaned to prevent contamination. However, make sure to take good care of your soldering iron, never clean it using a rough, abrasive material such as bleach or sandpaper as this will interfere with the working usability of it.

A common concern when utilizing soldering techniques with metals such as exposure is that despite the most effective soldering techniques being used, a poor result seems to always arise. The problem with metals such as exposure is that over time, exposure to the air allows for oxygen to accumulate on the metal, and aluminum is especially notorious for this. In order to effectively and competently master soldering techniques, you will need to develop and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the various conditions and issues concerning the different metals.

One of the simplest, yet sadly neglected of the soldering techniques is ensuring that all of the metals involved are all heated to approximately the same degree before you begin to apply the solder, so as to ensure a much more secure joint.

One of the most popular of soldering techniques (well, the technique that veterans swear blind to anyway) is to heat the component lead on one half and then quickly ensure you apply the soldering iron to the other half, this will in turn allow the solder to flow from one half to the other. Please note that speed is of the essence here, although you may find that things aren’t going too smoothly.

Most times, the culprit is a rather woeful transfer of heat between the soldering iron and the component lead, typically caused by a dirty soldering iron tip. Stop, clean your soldering iron tip and then retin it. All soldering techniques will require you to develop one crucial skill: finding a safe balance between heat and time. If you apply too much heat over too long a period of time, you will end up causing damage to the components and will end up with a poor finish.