Theremax problem

[keithw at sand.net]

>Ok a friend of mine ran into a problem putting together his paia theremax,
>and we're both novices with electronics.. here's his message:
>
>I'm working on my Theremax kit and what happens but the copper around one
>resistor comes up and tears off!  Of course I lose this piece and I am left
>with a gap between the copper trail!  What do I do? Can anyone help? Ahhhh!
>
>

Called "lifting a trace" or "lifting a pad".  If over-heated,
the copper can delaminate from the PC board substrate.  The
quality of the circuit board has great influence on this.

Of course what you need to do is connect the lead of the resistor
to the trace.  Use a piece of wire or a resistor lead, and if the
area seems at risk to further physical damage, it wouldn't hurt to
use some sort of adhesive on that part of the trace.

How much soldering iron are you using?  When working with small traces,
I use a 12 watt weller.  If you've got a monster iron, then you really
run the risk of damaging traces.  Also don't push down on traces or pads
with the iron.  This flexes the copper while hot and is a common source
of lifted pads.  Also be careful when removing parts.  Pulling a part off
with solder left on the lead/pad can lift a pad, as can being too aggresive
with a solder sucker.

-Keith