What soldering iron

[invasion]

Wife just came home and walks in with a soldering station for me
She nipped into Maplin and got this: https://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx...No=10271&sxs=0
Didnt have the heart to tell her I was going for a gas one!

Now at least when she moans about it being in the house on the table or somthing I can say well you bought it lol

[Dedcalm]

I have used this for the last couple of years and really like its flexibility. I think I am on my 3rd element but they are simple to replace and it is used for 2-3 hours every night...

[invasion]

I also use high silver content solder for componant work.

Is this the solder you see classed as silver solder?

[Rctintin]

No it's not.

What is commonly known as silver solder is used with a brazing torch, but instead of using copper or copper/zinc 'filler' rod, that becomes molten at a lower temperature, Silver 'filler' rods melt at a higher temp, so the welded joint will withstand much higher temps in application. All gas (e.g. oxygen) carrying pipes in Hospitals are 'Hard' or 'Silver' soldered, so they don't melt in a fire. I have a nearly complete model gas turbine engine that I have built, and the fuel 'sticks' and other bits inside the engine are silver soldered (hard soldered).

The silver solder I was referring to has a higher silver content to it, (very good for electrical conductivity) than normal solder. It is still a soft solder though. This is the stuff I use:

Lead-Free Silver Solder : Solder : Maplin

[invasion]

Lead-Free Silver Solder : Solder : Maplin

So this will be ok for everything on my Heli like lipos, esc...etc ?

Confusing with the term silver going around!

Should I also get a tin of flux ?

[Pitman]

After soldering plugs for far too many years - RC cars, planks, now helis, I have never had to use additional flux (providing you are using decent flux cored solder). The key to good soldering is to ensure that the surfaces are clean, your iron is hot enough, and you use decent quality solder. As I posted above, I find that the lead / tin solder flows MUCH better that the new lead free stuff. Also, make sure you NEVER use acid core solder (sold in plumbing departments for copper pipe), as the acid will wick up under the wire insulation and cause corrosion and tears when the wire fails!

[invasion]

Thanks for the info and warning about Acid core solder
Can you get the solder you use in any of the local DIY shops like Homebase ??

[Pitman]

Unfortunately not, hence the link I posted earlier. I got my last roll over the internet, next day delivery. Get a roll of thin (~18 ~ 20 gauge), it is much easier to work with.

Dave

[invasion]

Unfortunately not, hence the link I posted earlier. I got my last roll over the internet, next day delivery. Get a roll of thin (~18 ~ 20 gauge), it is much easier to work with.

Dave

Ok I will go place an order
Thanks again for your help

[msssltd]

If you are doing wires, cables and connectors regularly, I recommend getting something like this
Jewellers Pliers - Needle Nose Hemostat Soldering Pliers. Jewellery & Watch plier

[ChrisP]

Forgot to say, use one of those holders with 2 crock clips to hold the wire/connector to help give you that '3rd' hand.

Just found this + £2.99 for P&P Bargain, just ordered one

[ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-633830-Helping-Hands/dp/B000O3RJFC/ref=pd_cp_diy_2_img]Silverline 633830 Helping Hands: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools[/ame]

[Rctintin]

Thats the jobbie, great aid for soldering.

[3DJIM]

Good choice from your wife!!! thats the same station i have, the tips are a bit pricey but last ages, I used to make the adaptors for a well known heli sim and solder around 1000 wires a week with it, its still going strong now!.

Jim.

[invasion]

Thats good to hear I have only done my first EC3 connector with it but it seemed to work well!! I did take the stock tip off and put a wider flat one on as it seemed to transfer the heat better. I am very pleased with it and hope it lasts as long as yours