> ETA: I will say, I do what krick mentioned. Wrapping the tip in solder, let that
> melt, knock off the excess and use a damp sponge to wipe it clean, then put a little
> bit of solder back on or just before I'm ready to solder something. When I'm done
> with one thing, wipe clean, apply a small bit of solder, and set it aside until I'm
> ready to use it again (in a few to several seconds).
>
> I don't know if I'm waiting too long or if I'm using "crap tips".
The problem is that you're not "tinning" the tip. If the tip is black, that's oxidation that prevents the tip from transferring heat to whatever you're trying to solder. The tip should have a thin coating of solder on it.
This is the stuff I have. Go get some ASAP...
Tip Tinner/Cleaner Compound
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062721
You should never have to "wrap the tip in solder". If you do that, you're doing it wrong.
Some other tips...
Get a decent soldering iron. Everyone says get a "low wattage" model but I keep going back to my trusty 30 watt iron. I have trouble soldering with the low wattage ones. If I was doing really delicate stuff, I'd probably stick to the low watt irons so I don't damage anything. Some day, I'm going to get one of those "soldering station" deals where you can adjust the wattage/temperature.
Get decent solder. I have a roll of fairly thin 60/40 solder (not lead-free) that I picked up at radio shack...
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....terValue=Solder
Soldering with thick diameter solder is almost impossible. I like the thin stuff. Make sure you're not using "acid core solder". That will fuck your stuff up. I'm not sure why they even make that.
Get a decent iron "holder". Without a holder to dissipate heat while you're not actually soldering, your tips can overhead and oxidize faster.
I have one something like this...
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062740&CAWELAID=107594597
Get a roll of "desoldering braid". You'd be surprised how handy this shit is.
GroovyMAME support forum on BYOAC
Edited by krick (04/27/11 07:59 AM)
|
Previous 
Index 
Next 
Flat 
Re: The How-To Geek Guide to Making Your Own Custom Ethernet Cables
Reply
Re: The How-To Geek Guide to Making Your Own Custom Ethernet Cables
