Intro to Soldering

## Basic Soldering Technique <div class="info-box">**The golden rule: heat the joint, not the solder.** Solder should melt when it touches the hot joint, not when it touches the iron tip.</div> ### Step-by-Step 1. **Flux**: Add flux to the joint. 2. **Heat**: Touch the iron tip to the junction of the lead and pad simultaneously. Wait 1-2 seconds. 3. **Feed solder**: Bring solder to the joint from the opposite side of the iron tip. Let it flow in. 4. **Remove solder**: Once enough solder has flowed, pull the solder wire away. 5. **Remove iron**: Pull the iron away cleanly and smoothly in an upward motion. 6. **Don't move**: Let the joint cool undisturbed for 2-3 seconds. Movement during cooling causes cold joints. (display:"Technique") (display:"Camera") ### Timing * Total dwell time on the joint: typically **2-4 seconds** * Too short → incomplete wetting, cold joint * Too long → component damage, lifted pads, burned flux <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Let's Get Practical]]  [[Next: Preparing Your Workspace →->Preparing Your Workspace]] </div>

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## Common Mistakes * **Heating the solder instead of the joint**: solder balls up on the tip instead of flowing into the joint * **Moving the joint during cooling**: creates a cold, electrically unreliable connection * **Too much solder**: blobs are hard to inspect and can cause bridges * **Too little heat time**: solder doesn't wet; looks complete but is intermittent * **Oxidized or dirty tip**: heat won't transfer; joints look lumpy regardless of technique * **Wrong temperature**: too low → cold joints; too high → burned pads, damaged ICs * **Feeding solder onto the tip**: bypasses the joint; you lose flux before it can do its job * **Ignoring polarity**: not a technique issue, but always verify component orientation before soldering { <div class="warn-box">**The #1 safety mistake:** Setting the iron down on the work surface instead of returning it to the stand. Burns happen in less than a second of contact.</div> } <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Reading the Joint]] [[Next: Desoldering Basics →->Desoldering Basics]] </div>

## Desoldering Basics Mistakes happen. Desoldering lets you remove or rework components without damaging the board. ### Desoldering Pump (Solder Sucker) * Spring-loaded vacuum pump: prime it, heat the joint until molten, position the tip over it, trigger * Works best for through-hole components with larger pads * Fast once you develop the timing; takes some practice to operate one-handed with the iron ### Desoldering Braid (Wick) * Flux-coated copper braid: lay it over the joint, press the iron on top of the braid * Solder wicks up into the braid via capillary action * Excellent for cleaning up bridges and excess solder on flat pads * Use a fresh section each time, a saturated braid won't wick <div class="info-box">**Patience matters.** Pulling components before the solder is fully molten tears pads off the board. Let the heat do the work, not your fingers.</div> <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Common Mistakes]] [[Next: Practice and Next Steps →->Practice and Next Steps]] </div>

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<div id="pres-header"><img id="soldering-icon" src="http://i2s.cmmn.com/images/soldering-iron-icon.png" /> <span class="pres-title">Intro to Soldering</span></div>

## Let's Get Practical What is in your kit? <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/Kits.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <div class="warn-box">This is a very simple kit circuit. Use a lower power charger to avoid damaging the device.</div> ### Components Some components have a Positive and Negative terminal that requires them to be placed in a specific direction. { <details class="component"> <summary><strong>What are some clues that a component has a Positive and Negative terminal?</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary> <div class="component-body"><img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/polarity.png" style="max-width:100%" /></div> </details> } { <details class="component"> <summary><strong>Resistor</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary> <div class="component-body"><p><strong>Simple definition:</strong> A resistor limits how much electrical current can flow through a circuit.</p> <p><strong>Think of it this way:</strong> Electricity is like water flowing through a hose. A resistor is like making the hose narrower - less gets through at once. This protects parts that could be damaged by too much electricity.</p> <p><strong>In your kit:</strong> Resistors protect LEDs, set signal levels, and control how strongly parts interact.</p> <div class="tip-box">**Tip:** You can use this handy <a href="https://www.digikey.com/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-resistor-color-code">Resistor Color Code Calculator from DigiKey</a> to identify a resistor.</div> </div> </details> } { <details class="component"> <summary><strong>Diode</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary> <div class="component-body"><p><strong>Simple definition:</strong> A diode allows electricity to flow in one direction, but blocks it from flowing the other way.</p> <p><strong>Think of it this way:</strong> A diode is like a one-way valve for electricity. It lets electricity go through one way, but stops it from going backward.</p> (display:"Diode Pipe") <p><strong>In your kit:</strong> Diodes prevent reverse current, protect parts, and control the direction of current flow.</p> </div> </details> } { <details class="component"> <summary><strong>LED</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary> <div class="component-body"><p><strong>Simple definition:</strong> An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a diode that gives off light when current flows through it.</p> <p><strong>Think of it this way:</strong> An LED is a tiny light that turns on when electricity flows through it the correct way.</p> <p><strong>In your kit:</strong> LEDs are used as lights, indicators, status signals, and visual outputs.</p> <div class="warn-box"><strong>Important:</strong> LEDs need a resistor in series. Without one, too much current flows and burns out the LED.</div> </div> </details> } { <details class="component"> <summary><strong>Capacitor</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary> <div class="component-body"><p><strong>Simple definition:</strong> A capacitor stores a small amount of electrical energy and releases it when needed.</p> <p><strong>Think of it this way:</strong> A capacitor is like a tiny rechargeable bucket for electricity - it fills up, holds a charge briefly, and then releases it.</p> <p><strong>In your kit:</strong> Capacitors smooth out power, reduce electrical noise, and help stabilize circuits.</p> </div> </details> } { <details class="component"> <summary><strong>Integrated Circuit (IC)</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary> <div class="component-body"><p><strong>Simple definition:</strong> An IC is a tiny chip that contains many electronic parts inside it.</p> <p><strong>Think of it this way:</strong> An IC is like a tiny electronic brain. Instead of building a circuit from lots of separate pieces, many parts are packed into one small chip.</p> <p><strong>In your kit:</strong> An IC might control lights, respond to sensors, store logic, amplify signals, or perform a specific function designed by the chip manufacturer.</p> This <a href="https://youtu.be/pDELW2pIvWw">video</a> has a great explanation about how to Integrated Circuits simplify routine logic functions. </div> </details> } { <details class="component"> <summary><strong>PCB</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary> <div class="component-body"><p><strong>Simple definition:</strong> A printed circuit board (PCB) is the board that holds electronic parts and connects them together.</p> <p><strong>Think of it this way:</strong> A PCB is like a map of roads for electricity. The parts sit on the board, and the copper paths show electricity where to go.</p> <p><strong>In your kit:</strong> The PCB makes assembly easier because the wiring paths are already built into the board.</p> </div> </details> } (display:"Camera") <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->What Is Soldering]]  [[Next: Basic Technique →->Basic Technique]] </div>

## Practice & Next Steps ### Building Skill * **Start with through-hole kits**: larger pads, slower pace, easy to see what's happening. Look for beginner kits on <a href="https://www.adafruit.com/">Adafruit</a> or <a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/">SparkFun</a>. * **Practice boards**: dedicated boards with a variety of pad sizes and component types * **Old/broken electronics**: great low-stakes material for desoldering practice * **Slow down**: watch the solder flow, develop feel for heat timing, don't rush ### Good Resources * **<a href="https://eugenemakerspace.com/">Eugene Maker Space</a>** - Join and participate in our Discord and work on projects together! * **<a href="https://www.adafruit.com/learn">Adafruit Learning System</a>** - thorough beginner soldering guides with photos * **<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@EEVblog">EEVblog on YouTube</a>**: Dave Jones' soldering tutorials are widely considered the best free resource * **<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/soldering">r/soldering</a> on Reddit**: community for joint critique and technique feedback * **<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYuVSG89vg0">Electrical Basics Made Easy</a>** ** Highly Recommended * **<a href="https://youtu.be/pDELW2pIvWw">Digital Electronics - The First Video YOU Should Watch</a>** ** Highly Recommended * **SparkFun**: A great place to find free instructional <a href="https://learn.sparkfun.com/resources">resources</a> as well as kits. ### Projects and Kits * **Micro Racer Kit**: <a href="https://stuckatprototype.com/">https://stuckatprototype.com/ </a> <img src="https://stuckatprototype.com/cdn/shop/files/242A3933.png?v=1750626769&width=350 /> <div class="tip-box">**Fastest way to improve:** Solder something, photograph every joint, post for critique. Specific feedback accelerates skill far faster than solo practice.</div> <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Desoldering Basics]] [[Next: The Soldering Iron →->The Soldering Iron]] </div>

## Preparing Your Workspace ### Physical Setup * Work on a **heat-resistant mat**: silicone, ceramic tile, or a proper soldering mat * Place your iron stand **within easy reach** of your dominant hand * Ensure **good lighting**: you need to clearly see pads and component leads * Set up **ventilation**: a fan pulling fumes away, or a dedicated fume extractor ### Before You Start Soldering * Organize your components and (link:"PCB")[Printed Circuit Board] before turning on the iron ** Use the alcohol pad to clean the PCB. This helps remove oil and residue. * Know exactly what you're going to solder and plan before you heat * Have your brass cleaner ready <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Basic Technique]]  [[Next: Safety First →->Safety First]] </div>

## Reading the Joint Visually assessing a solder joint is a skill you'll develop quickly with practice. <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/common-issues.png" style="max-width:100%" /> ### Good Joint ✅ * Smooth, shiny surface (slightly matte for lead-free - that's normal) * Concave/volcano shape - solder wets up the component lead and down onto the pad * You can see the outline of the pad and lead through the solder ### Cold Joint ❌ * Dull, grainy, or frosted surface * Rounded blob that didn't wet to the pad properly * Caused by movement during cooling, iron too cool, or insufficient heat time ### Too Much Solder ❌ * Large blob that obscures the pad and lead entirely * Risks bridging adjacent pads → short circuit ### Solder Bridge ❌ * Solder spanning between two adjacent pads or leads * Creates a short circuit - always inspect after soldering fine-pitch ICs <div class="tip-box">**Use a magnifier or your phone camera** to inspect joints, especially on small components.</div> <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Let's Solder!]] [[Next: Common Mistakes →->Common Mistakes]] </div>

## Safety First ⚠️ <div class="warn-box">**The iron tip runs at 300-400°C. (text-colour:red)+(bg:yellow)[Burns happen instantly and without warning.]**</div> ### Key Safety Rules * **Eye protection**: always wear safety glasses * **Ventilation**: solder fumes (flux vapor) are irritating, so work near a fan or fume extractor * **Never touch the tip**: use a stand at all times when the iron is hot * **Lead handling**: if using leaded solder, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards * **Fire hazard**: keep flammables away and never leave a hot iron unattended * **Cable management**: keep the iron cord away from the tip and your work area <div class="tip-box">**Tip:** Return the iron to its stand between every operation. Most burns happen when an iron is set down "just for a second."</div> <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Preparing Your Workspace]]  [[Next: Tinning the Tip →->Tinning the Tip]] </div>

## Soldering Iron Tips ### What's in a Tip? We're going to talk about the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Replaceable-Soldering-Miniware-TS100-Stainless/dp/B09XDZ1DC8?th=1">MINIWARE TS100/TS101</a> style tip instead of the soldering station tips. These have become a an unofficial standard for many soldering irons. <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/soldering-iron-tip.png" style="max-width:100%" /> ### Choosing a Tip <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/soldering-iron-tip-types.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <div class="tip-box">**Tip choice:** Chisel or bevel tips transfer heat more efficiently than fine conical tips for most through-hole and pad work. Use fine tips for precision (link:"SMD")[Surface Mount Device] work only.</div> <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->The Soldering Iron]] [[Next: Tools and Materials →->Tools and Materials]] </div>

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## The Soldering Iron ### Pencil iron (fixed wattage) Simple, inexpensive (~$15-30), but without controlling the temperature, it can be challenging to get consistent results. Also, not //really// made for soldering. These largely came from the vaping industry and were repurposed for a cheap soldering iron alternative. ### Temperature-controlled station Dial or digital setpoint. More consistent results, especially for heat-sensitive components. Recommended for regular use, but can be expensive for high quality (recommended) tools. * <a href="https://www.weller-tools.com/us/en/consumer/products/soldering-stations/soldering-station-digital-70w120v-us">Weller Soldering Station</a> ### ⭐ Temperature-controlled pencil iron The best of both! It's simple, inexpensive (~$35). A digital setpoint and sensors provide consistent results. * <a href="https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/">PINECIL (Version 2)</a> - Only get the authentic model. Copycat versions exist that do not have great quality control. * <a href="https://theminiware.com/">TS101</a> - Miniware has several small electronics tools that are high quality. <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Practice and Next Steps]] [[Next: Soldering Iron Tips →->Soldering Iron Tips]] </div>

## Tinning the Tip Tinning means coating the iron tip with a thin, fresh layer of solder. It is the //single most important maintenance habit// for clean, reliable soldering. ### Why It Matters * A tinned (shiny, silver) tip transfers heat efficiently and wets solder properly * An oxidized (black, dull) tip insulates itself. Heat won't transfer and joints will be poor regardless of technique ### How to Tin 1. Heat the iron to working temperature 2. Clean the tip on the brass cleaner to remove old oxidation 3. Immediately touch fresh solder to the tip. It should melt and coat it evenly 4. Wipe off the excess on the cleaner, leaving a thin, shiny coat <div class="info-box">**Tin //before// and //after// every session.** Before you put the iron away, tin it. The solder coat protects the tip from oxidizing while it cools between uses.</div> <details class="component"> \ <summary><strong>What part of the tip do you tin?</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary>\ <div class="component-body"> \ <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/tinning-good-bad.png" style="max-width:100%" /> </div></details>\ { <button class="video-btn" onclick="openVideoModal('tin-modal','tin-video','https://www.youtube.com/embed/ejZpB9TPTMg?start=831&rel=0')">▶ Watch: Tinning in Action</button> <div id="tin-modal" class="video-modal" onclick="if(event.target===this)closeVideoModal('tin-modal')"> <div class="video-modal-box"> <button class="video-modal-close" onclick="closeVideoModal('tin-modal')">✕</button> <div class="video-modal-title">How to Tin a Soldering Iron Tip</div> <div class="video-wrapper"> <iframe id="tin-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"> </iframe> </div> </div> </div> } ### Power On the Soldering Iron 1. Plug the USB-C cable into the iron. 2. When it turns on, press the ➕ button one time to heat up the iron. 3. Press and hold the ➖ button to turn off the heat. (It may take some time to cool off) (display:"Camera") ### Keeping Tips Healthy * Never leave a hot iron idle with a bare, dry tip for long * Don't sand or file tips or it will destroy the iron plating layer * Use tip tinner/activator paste for severely oxidized tips <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Safety First]]  [[Next: Let's Solder! →->Let's Solder!]] </div>

{ <div class="title-hero"> # Introduction to Soldering <p class="subtitle">A hands-on guide to soldering electronics.</p> <p class="presenter">👋 Hi, I'm Monty DeGauven</p> </div> } ### Who am I? I am a //mostly// normal dude who likes making things. I am not an electronics expert, a soldering genius, or someone who has every answer. I am a curious maker with a little experience, a lot of enthusiasm, and a belief that sometimes the right introduction can spark a lifelong interest. I got my own start in a class a lot like this one, back when I was in an after school program at the Boys and Girls Club. They gave us a kit, a soldering iron, and a brief warning about not burning ourselves. It was the 90s, so that was apparently enough. That experience stayed with me. It turned into years of tinkering, experimenting, learning, and making things. Maybe this class becomes that kind of spark for you too. If it does, Eugene Maker Space is the right place to keep experimenting, tinkering, and building. <details class="component"> \ <summary><strong>Agenda</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary>\ <div class="component-body"> \ (display:"Agenda") </div></details> ### Bookmark this site! (display:"QR Code") <div class="nav-bar"> [[Next: What Is Soldering →->What Is Soldering]] </div>

## Tools & Materials ### The Essentials * **Soldering iron**: temperature-controlled station or pencil iron * **Solder**: rosin-core, 60/40 or lead-free, 0.8mm diameter for electronics * **Iron stand**: holds the iron safely; often includes a cleaning sponge * **Brass tip cleaner**: removes oxidation between joints * **Flux**: improves solder flow and wetting on difficult joints ### Helpful Extras * **Helping hands / PCB holder**: holds your workpiece steady * **Desoldering pump or braid**: for fixing mistakes * **Fume extractor**: fan with filter to pull flux vapors away from your face * **Multimeter**: verify connections electrically after soldering * **Silicone Mat**: prevents burning work surfaces and makes cleanup easier <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Soldering Iron Tips]] [[Next: Wrap Up →->Wrap Up]] </div>

## What Is Soldering? Soldering is the process of joining two metal surfaces using a low-melting-point filler metal called solder. Unlike welding, the base materials are **not melted**, only the solder is. ### Where Is It Used? * Electronics for circuit boards, wiring, connectors * Plumbing to join copper pipes * Jewelry making and metalwork * Stained glass assembly ### Why Learn Soldering? * Make THINGS! * Fix THINGS! * Hack THINGS! <details class="component"> \ <summary><strong>Electronic Fortune Cookie Keychain</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary>\ <div class="component-body"> \ <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/esp32/comments/1tipuws/efortune_cookie_i_just_put_an_esp32_inside_a/"><img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/ex-fortune-00.png" style="max-width:100%" /></a> (text-style:"subscript")[Source: Reddit User ``u/Choice_Border_8904``] </div></details> <details class="component"> \ <summary><strong>Mini Desk Pet</strong> <span class="expand-icon">▶</span></summary>\ <div class="component-body"> \ This interactive mini desk pet also monitors the local temperature and humidity! <video controls style=" width: 90%;"> <source type="video/mp4" src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/deskpet.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div></details> <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Title]]  [[Next: Let's Get Practical →->Let's Get Practical]] </div>

<div class="end-center"> ## Thank You! ### Questions? ### Feedback Please feel free to provide honest <a href="https://euglink.org/qsTFsx">feedback</a> to help us improve this class. (display:"Feedback") </div> ## Become a Member! <a href="https://eugenemakerspace.com/membership/">Support the Eugene Makerspace</a> and what we do, access the shop, explore new tools and technologies, participate in a community of makers, and join in as we create something wonderful! Membership Includes: * Access to tools and equipment * Onsite storage * Voting privileges ''Membership starts at $35/month.'' Your membership helps EMS maintain our equipment and tools, allows us to plan for future upgrades, and host community events and outreach. For members who are able, we encourage you to consider selecting a higher monthly membership. <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Tools and Materials]] </div>

## Let's Solder! <div class="warn-box">**The iron tip runs at 300-400°C. (text-colour:red)+(bg:yellow)[Burns happen instantly and without warning.]** Return the iron to its stand between every operation. Most burns happen when an iron is set down "just for a second".</div> From SparkFun's <a href="https://learn.sparkfun.com/resources/42">How to Solder Comic</a> <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/resistor_1.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/resistor_2.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/resistor_3.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/resistor_4.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/resistor_5.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/resistor_6.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <img src="https://i2s.cmmn.com/images/resistor_7.png" style="max-width:100%" /> <div class="nav-bar">[[← Previous->Tinning the Tip]] [[Next: Reading the Joint →->Reading the Joint]] </div>