It depends on the wattage of the iron. A temperature controlled iron is best. 25-40 W
In order to solder, you need to heat both pieces. i.e. push the lead against the pad. Apply solder to the pad and not the iron usually on the opposite side that you are heating.
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Anita" <ginskia@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, I am a newbie here and I am also very new to circuit boards. How do you solder the lead wire to the circuit board copper path after you have tinned the iron and inserted the component through the hole from the other side without damaging the board or the part?
>