soldering instruction resources

[pilotdog68]

I would eventually like to be able to do things like make my own dropins, but I figured I should learn to solder first.

what are some good free resources to teach soldering skills?

and

what good, inexpensive irons/tools would you suggest for a beginner?

[photon1k]

Not specific, but there are many soldering tutorials on youtube.

[pilotdog68]

@photon1k

Not specific, but there are many soldering tutorials on youtube.

well i know there are wrong /bad techniques, i wanted to be sure to learn right the first time

[Chloe]

Hi Pilotdog! I would recommend getting a temperature controlled soldering iron. Hobby King have these Hakko clones which are really very good value (I have one myself). Also, this thread about soldering setup is worth a read.

Then practice on scrap wire and old PCB until you feel more confident.

[MRsDNF]

Heres an informative video from Mr PilotPTK.

Soldering Small Parts and Emitters

Hello Everyone, I posted this video in my 3XML Module thread, but I know that a lot of people always have questions about soldering technique, so I thought this deserved it’s own thread. [ - YouTube] Cheers, PPtk

[_the]

Old, but good ones can be found from PACE Worldwide's channel (Basic Soldering Lessons 1-9)

[pilotdog68]

The Pace and PPK video’s were great.

Any other options for soldering irons? this will be used very little. I would like to stay around $25 or less.

Also, what Flux and Solder is recommended?

[MRsDNF]

Some more.

A video on soldering 7135 chips to a NANJG driver

This is just my method. Others have different methods. The method I use, to hold the chips on the driver for soldering, is the real reason I wanted to share the video. [Adding 7135 chips to a NANJG board] The "Hemostats" talked about in the video, are properly called "Allis Tissue Forceps" and they work fantastic for holding the chips in place, while soldering. They are very expensive, but the link above will show some "budget prices". I have always had "issues" with solder…

Video - One Way to reflow a led to a star, using a soldering iron

This shows reflowing a Nichia 219 onto an XP-G star, using standard 60/40 solder and an iron. Applies to cree leds as well. [How to reflow a led onto a star] There are Many other methods.