Soldering tips

[sku_u]

I'm trying to repair a few solder joints on an old machine. The problem is that one of the joints is in an awkward position. Does anyone have any advise/tips for me? I'd rather not disassemble the area around it given a choice.

 

I was also wondering if anyone could recommend a good soldering iron for use with older (pre-70s) machines?

[ATARIeric]

can you show a picture of it when ever i solder i do it from the bottom of the board, wahl makes a good soldering station, id get one that has 2 led peak meters for temp, this way whenever you are soldering, you are gonna be working with the exact temperature every time! dont risk with a soldering iron that doesnt show its temperature.i think around 50 you might be able to get a halfway decent one....

[Ralph3]

Also solder flux is a big help. Use the kind you brush on. Makes it a lot easier to solder.

[ATARIeric]

i love the smell of solder flux in the morning, or was that napalm

 

 

i have a small cup of solder flux i just dip my tip into, damn, i really do love that smell LOL

[incog]

doesn't most modern solder already have flux in it? I use a decent pair of tweezers (with a rubber grip) to hold the solder into difficult places

[Ralph3]

doesn't most modern solder already have flux in it?

If it does have the flux in it, it is usually too THICK to be useful, it is mor acidic than by itself, and mostly for heavy guage soldering or welding pipes together.

It is best to use very thin solder for those smaller traces. You have better control and usually has a lower melting point for the smaller traces(I know I am just repeating my self). Save the thick solder for welding