Solder

[suprafreak6]

Im going to get my first solder. What kind should i get, and how much volt.
What will i need to solder? Also what is the price range usually..
im going to be soldering small things...

[clocker]

You need to match the type/guage(diameter) of the solder to the job at hand.
Likewise with the heatrange.

This is an ability best gained from experience.

[suprafreak6]

hmm, who says experience cant start soon? whats the usual price range im lookin at?

[lynx]

For small components you probably need something in the 12W to 20W range.
http://www.netbridgeonline.com/index.php/view/cat/id/antex-lpirons
I've got 2, an old M12 and a CS18 (as part of the SK8 kit). I find the M12 has enough power for most jobs. Since you haven't got anything I recommend starting out with one of the kits - see the bottom of the page. You get a stand, solder and most importantly some soldering advice.

I used to think that stands were for wimps - they have a hook, why get a stand too? A few holes in the carpet soon taught me better. However, one of the important things about the stand is the (genuine) sponge pad - keep it damp and wipe the bit on it and the bit stays clean and tinned.

[suprafreak6]

sweet, i found this...will this get the job done?
http://www.mcgillswarehouse.com/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemID=111110017
it has no information about it though
and its nice and cheap yours looked expensive

[Duffman]

if you doing small stuff, then no, hell no, you start a fire.

[suprafreak6]

why? should i get a lower voltage? such as a 30?

[Duffman]

No more than 15 for soldering pc components, I did some soldering for an xbox modchip, used a 10 watter. Get burned by a 10 watt, and you'll forget about 60.

[suprafreak6]

okay so should i get the lowest i can get? im not doing an xbox modchip...
im making a n64 to usb controller, i guess i could just get a converter.. it would be cheaper

[lynx]

You can't tell from that picture, but that 60W iron is probably over a foot long, with a bit about 1/4" wide. Try to solder delicate components with that and you'll just end up melting everything together.

But for the N64 to USB go for the converter, it will work out much cheaper in the long run since you won't end up blowing your pc or your N64. :P

This isn't a bad choice though (http://www.mcgillswarehouse.com/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemID=111130001)

[Snee]

If there's a way around having to solder something you need to work, and you have no real previous experience, then don't solder if it involves soldering on circuit boards.

In this case, I reckon you should def go for the converter.


Alos, if you want to learn, go for really easy stuff first, stuff you can toss out if it doesn't work. Try removing and replacing some solder on a circuitboard you don't need, like something out of an old walkman. Then you can put it together and see if it still works.