Brad unclefalter posted'-
>So I am starting work on the first small component of my TVT replica – and I’m having a bit of trouble with soldering. I’ve soldered a fair bit before, but >usually on commercial boards where I had to remove a chip and then replace. My usual soldering process is to use the tip of the iron to heat the pad >and then bring the solder to it. However that doesn’t seem to work as well with these new boards.. I get more solder than I like and it doesn’t spread >out nicely on the pad/contact. Am I missing a step here somewhere?
Brad
Hello Brad,
First step, get hold of a spray can of "no clean"solder flux. Spray a small amount on a saucer(a shot glass is ideal).Use a q tip (earbud), and wipe a small amount on the pads before soldering. This should help with the flow problem.
Secondly, buy a spare tip for your soldering iron with the smallest tip size. File a small flat on the tip and apply a cheap rosin core solder(get some from a general store, the small tube is ideal) to the tip repeatabely until a "dimple" develops. Clean and use only when required with your usual solder.
Finally, get a roll of the smallest gauge of solder as you feel comfotable with. Coat the "dimpled" tip with with enough solder to fill the dimple, transfer to the flux coated pads. Now use a "fine" de-solrering braid to clean up any excess solder. Done!
Hope this helps, chester