am i overheating my solder if I keep getting spikes when I pull away from the joint? I read something about flux but that didn't seem to work either still spiked when i pulled away.
>>3007000>>3007000>>3007000to answer your question, you're applying heat to the solder joint for too long. all of the flux on the joint is evaporating, and the oxide layer that forms makes the solder keep its shape even when molten, which is why it doesnt pool onto the pad and why the joint looks like shitadd more flux to the joint and remelt it. or solder faster
>>3009622This Anon fucks.>>3009621You want to adjust your iron's temp based not only on the thermal mass of components you'll be working on, but also the mass of the ground plane on the PCB. It acts like a heat sink, so you need to be able to overcome thermal losses to make a solid joint without burning anything (short dwell time).
When I first glanced I thought that said "overheating my spider"
>>3009665>>3009621PS, tin things before joining them and don't be afraid to use more flux, just try not to get retarded and make a mess, and clean it up janny.
>>3009621You shouldn't bother using an iron under 70W. You should also use the right tips for the job. Avoid conical.
>>3009621Does it really matter as a hobbyist
>>3010033Yes. If you aren't trying to do things right or improve your skills, then why try at all?
>>3009621> spikesHit it with a heat gun for a bit to melt the spikes
if it makes electrical contact and doesn't break, it's good.don't waste your time overthinking about cosmetic things like it looking "ugly".
>>3009621Top right isn't too much solder, it's a cold joint, it didn't flow and there's cracking.
>>3009621>"good" solder joint>doesn't even wet out the whole pad
>>3009621I trust the experts
>>3009621>if I keep getting spikes when I pull away from the joint?this happens sometimes; it makes no difference to the jointif it bothers you, just snip it off with side cuttersif that still bothers you, just reheat and pull away quick
>>3009621you may need to clean your ironif dirt gets in the solder it can cause spikes or pitsuse emery cloth and a wet sponge if you want to tin the iron's tip really well
>>3009621Only two are bad, every other one in picrel is acceptable
Is there not a soldering general/thread?
Here's some pitty advice since you can't Google soldering basics or watch youtube apparently:1: set the iron to HOT. Newbs do shit soldering for lack of sufficient heat usually.2: use flux core 63/37 leaded solder. Lead free is for mass manufacturing by people who know how to use it.3: pre-tin your wires and surface mount pads. Use as little solder to do so as it takes to wick solder into the wire and cover the copper but leave strands visible.4: Solder runs towards heat. Heat needs contact to flow. When starting a joint daub a little solder between the joint and iron to establish a thermal bridge for heat to flow, then feed the rest of the needed solder in somewhere other than right at the iron.5: get in and out as quick as possible. Use flux more with small components but for through hole shit you don't often need more than the solder has in the core.6: breathe in the smoke. It's good for you.7: use wick braid and a little flux to unfuck your giant blobs
