PAIA & kits - ametuer

[Bill Layer]

Sorry Travis,

It can get a bit jargonistic, eh?. The term tinning comes from the high
content of tin in solder (usually 60-65%). A tinker, or tinner is one who
works with solder and tin. A 'Tinker's Dam' is a temporary structure that a
tinker creates on a workpiece to force the solder to flow a certain way.
Since the dam is only temporary, it is quite hastily and shoddily built.

Thus the term: "Not worth a Tinker's dam!". 

>tinned? time for a gloosary please mate...even just this word will do

Tinning is the process by which a new (or dirty) soldering iron is cleaned,
and then coated with a fresh layer of molten solder. It is this molten
solder surface, or 'tinning' on the iron tip, that makes soldering
possible. The liquid 'tinning' acts like a conduit for the heat. An
untinned iron is worse than anything; hot enough to ruin components, but
not capable of making good joints. 

As you work, the iron tip should be frequently wiped on a damp sponge, and
then given a fresh coat of tin. Repeat this as often as required to keep
the tin on the tip clean and shiny. It only takes about 5-10 minutes of
work (or just sitting idle) for the atmosphere to oxidize (and ruin) the
tinning on a hot iron.
 
Did I make some sense this time? :)


Bill Layer
Sales Technician
<b.layer at vikingelectronics.com>

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