Rookie Modder gets first soldering iron!

[rhh7]

Scared to death to try, but I know I simply must be able to install my own pickups...

Went to Radio Shack today, got a 45-watt soldering iron, and 1.5 oz of High-Tech Rosin Core Silver Bearing Solder(62/36/02)

Now I have to find some good soldering tutorials, any suggestions?

Thanks a million!

[Apostrophe (')]

I learned from video, and trial and error. When I was learning, there weren't alot of guitar oriented soldering tutorials - a quick Google search found this relatively new article:
http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2008/Feb/So_You_Want_to_Solder.aspx I actually agree with his suggestion about using a chisel tip, I found it much easier to use as the chisel fits perfectly on the pot lugs.

Here are the videos I learned from:

This one demonstrates the general technique, in particular the process of tinning. Extreme closeups here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLfXXRfRIzY

This one demonstrates soldering a wire to a lug on a speaker. It's a little bit harder to see what's going on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YURmPr03Nk

If you scan the "Related Videos" links on those pages, I'm sure you'll find more stuff.

Desoldering is just as important, there's a recent video on it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIGe7z8UJ1A

Pump and solder wick can be had at Radio Shack. (or whatever its called nowadays) I'd suggest getting both - should only cost you $15 or so.

Seymour Duncan also has some videos on installing pickups, although it doesn't delve much into soldering technique:
http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/choosing-installing/installing-pick/

[NB-SK]

You're threading on dangerous grounds. Trust me, I've been there. At first you think, "How bad can it be? It's just changing a pickup." But, soon after you're changing the whole circuitry of the guitar, maybe even installing push-pull-pots. Once you start modding your pedals, it's all downhill. Soon after you'll be building some of your own pedals and even eye one of those DIY Plexi clone kits. For the love of Clapton, return that soldering iron while you still can. :smile:

[keeperofthegood]

For reasons, I can offer up some good advice.

Go to home depot and get a 3/4 inch piece of off cut plywood say 2 feet square (I always have a scrap board to solder on, used to be a foot square of asbestos but ... well, that was many years ago now), and from the electrical department some pieces of wire 1 or 2 feet long, some #14 some speaker wire some bell wire. Then, follow the tutorials and video examples using the wire you bought to learn on. Soldering is not inherently hard but it is a skill that needs to be developed. Learning it in stages is a big help.

[devnulljp]

Scared to death to try, but I know I simply must be able to install my own pickups...

Went to Radio Shack today, got a 45-watt soldering iron, and 1.5 oz of High-Tech Rosin Core Silver Bearing Solder(62/36/02)

Now I have to find some good soldering tutorials, any suggestions?

Thanks a million!Apostrophe's give you (and me) some good leads there I think.
Here's my $0.02 worth -- Never, ever, pick up the soldering iron from the wrong end. Ever. It hurts like hell. You'll get nasty burn blisters on your hands that take weeks to heal.
...don't ask how I know this...mumble...grumble :smile:

[Geek]

*gets fire extinguisher, burn salve and bandages*

OK, we're ready for you :smile:

Find some old boards or chassis and practise. That's the best teacher.

Other important points:
- Keep your tip cleaned and tinned. A damp celluloid sponge is good for wiping the tip.
- Unplug when not in use for several hours. It'll save tips.
- Apply heat to the lead to be soldered, rather than the solder itself (a dab at first to get it fluxing, OK).
- Radio Shack has really crummy solder and irons. When you get the hang of things, go to an electronics place and get a Weller and some Kester "44" or "88" and stay away from that lead-free crap until it's legislated on us :wink:

Cheers!

[dwagar]

another tip - heat sinks.

I always try to protect whatever's on the other end of the wire. Either the clips they sell as heat sinks or just copper alligator clips.

[rhh7]

Wow, lots of info!

Thanks a million!

[greco]

How is the soldering progressing?

Try and remember that solder is NOT glue...you don't need globs of it.

The finished solder joint should shine

Peace

Dave

[rhh7]

How is the soldering progressing?

Try and remember that solder is NOT glue...you don't need globs of it.

The finished solder joint should shine

Peace

Dave

Tomorrow is a holiday, perhaps I will tackle it then.

[Apostrophe (')]

Try and remember that solder is NOT glue...you don't need globs of it.

And much like glue, you shouldn't sniff it.

[rhh7]

Decided I did not want to put any more money into my Affinity Strat, was lucky enough to get my $50 back, by selling the pre-wired pickguard through Kijiji ads.

But, new project on the horizon...I have a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder on the way...which I bought from a member of this forum...my new soldering iron will soon go to work...I simply must hear this pickup!!

[greco]

How is the soldering practice progressing?

Cheers

Dave

[rhh7]

How is the soldering practice progressing?

Cheers

Dave

My soldering iron is still in the shrink wrap!...Perhaps tomorrow?!

[PaulS]

Pickup a lower wattage iron around 20-25 watts and get a needle tip for it. The bigger irons can overheat the parts and melt them. Apply a small amount of solder to the tip and the apply it to the joint to be soldered. Apply heat from the other side if possible and hold the solder until it starts to flow. Practice makes perfect....

[RIFF WRATH]

Ha....other rookies beware....I've soldered hundreds of feet of copper pipe in my day but dreaded "fine" soldering.........usually get things set up and ready to got and beg for help........this weekend took the plunge........wired up 5 XLR inputs to a 60W 8 ohm PA amp (office PA type...6 channels) for my buddies kids basement band......man the wires were so small you could pick your teeth with them, and then threading them into those small close together pins..........next was my 4X12 speaker cabinet........input jacks and speakers are a breeze after doing the XLR's............then on to installing an imput jack on another speaker.........next purchase is going to be one of those illuminated gooseneck magnifying glasses things with the alligator clips.....I second the recommendation of the small pointly tip and the smallest soldering wire you can find..if I can do it, shakes and all, anyone can..........another tip.......if you can, get your project up high, almost at eye level......my backs still aching.....
cheers
Gerry

[keeperofthegood]

Hey oh Gerry!

I've two pieces of advice to go along with what you posted.

1. Don't skimp on the gooseneck clamps. There are cheepies and there are ones that you need to justify to the wife. Trust me, the justification is well worth it. I've had a few of these in my time, never do cheep the frustration of a project that doesn't stay put isn't worth it.

B. Surgical tools. I don't know the names of them but there is a tweezer often sold on the surplus market that is like a locking clamp or a springed tweezer. These help immensely with the finer wires. I say surgical tools because they are much finer than some of the others you will find about.

Oh, and this make I find too heavy for fine wire, there is a thin metal surgical equivalent to these that I am meaning :)

http://image.ecplaza.net/offer/a/asktools/3993317.jpg