Solder Hints

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 38, 5 April 1929, Page 30

Solder Hints

bl A Simple Matter OLDERING is really quite simple, the main idea being merely to heat th: surfaces which have to be joined together sufficiently for solder to adhere to them. When they are thus warmed, solder can be "run" across from one surface to another, and on this cooling it will set as one mass, thereby joining the two surfaces together. The great art is to keep clean both the iron itself and the working surfaces. First of all the iron must be "tinned," which is done by heating it in a clear flame (a gas jet is ideal), till it commences to burn with a green flame. When this occurs it can be removed and filed till it is bright, and whilst still very hot it should be dij ped into a little flux and a blob of solder, in a tin lid. The melted solder will then run over the clean surface of the iron and coat it with a bright covering of solder, and then the iron is warmed up again ready for business. Whilst it 1s reheating the two surfaces can be thoroughly cleaned with a file or emery cloth, till the bright metal shows, touched with a little flux and then brought into contact of the hot iron until a thin coating of solder appears on them, also. (In other words, until they are "tinned" also.) When both the surfaces have been tinned, they are held together, the iron is heated again, and then it is placed over the two surfaces so that it can simultaneously and equally heat them. When hot enough the blob of solder adhering to the iron will readily run over the two surfaces and these should be held perfectly steady until it solidifies, which it does a moment after the iron has been removed. At this stage and before the joint has had time to get cool, wipe it over with a clean cloth so tis to remove any traces of superfluous flux. The heat will have liquified this. and it ean be removed easily and quickly, but if it is left for a little while it will get cool and become greasy. and then be exceedingly difficult to remove. in mind soldering will become a very If. however, the above hints are borne easy and pleasurabl¢ occupation.