How do I learn to solder/desolder stuff without damaging anything

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i440BX

i440BX

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kiwifarms.net
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16 de Ene, 2024
Hello. I own a simple solder iron and an Einhell gun.
515jF7aQ8jL._AC_SX679_-472924494.jpg Soldering+Gun+BT-SG+100-2479039709.jpg
I tried a while ago to desolder an damaged microusb port from an cheap bluetooth speaker but I was a retard and applied probably too much heat and the copper traces disintegrated.

Before I destroy further traces/PCBs, I want to learn how to properly solder stuff. I noticed I have high difficulty in desoldering and removing stuff. Also For some reason my iron tip gets dark pretty fast. Is it normal?
 
Also, sometimes when I try to put solder on PCB, solder transforms in a ball. I tried dipping the tip in the flux that came with the gun.
 
I also forgot, it is hard for me to hold the PCB to not move and also concentrate on pcb. I think I need some sort of platform for small stuff.
 
i440BX dijo:
I also forgot, it is hard for me to hold the PCB to not move and also concentrate on pcb. I think I need some sort of platform for small stuff.
Presiona para expandir...
Get a set of helping hands, the cheapest option that works would be Harbor Freight or you could try your luck with Temu or there are plenty of overpriced options on Amazon.
Screenshot_20240303-101454.png
 
I learned to solder in school, but really I learned when I was made to disassemble other students projects in detention as a punishment.

If you do find some junk to practice on make sure it's not too old, you'd want something from 2010+ to avoid old lead solder.

putting a tiny amount solder on the pad first really helped get good joins when I was learning.
 
They make and sell kits that are simple PCBs you solder and put together yourself to learn the basics of soldering. Look up "Elenco FM Radio Kit" or just "learn to solder kit" and pick one you find interesting and practice with it.

i440BX dijo:
Also, sometimes when I try to put solder on PCB, solder transforms in a ball. I tried dipping the tip in the flux that came with the gun.
Presiona para expandir...
You want to use more heat and less solder if you find it's globbing up into a ball.
 
i440BX dijo:
Also, sometimes when I try to put solder on PCB, solder transforms in a ball. I tried dipping the tip in the flux that came with the gun.
Presiona para expandir...
You need to apply the flux to the actual thing you're soldering the component onto - flux is how your solder sticks/flows onto the thing you're soldering.

PCB's usually require a softer touch and more precision, especially surface mount PCB stuff.
 
VargReallyDidNothingWrong dijo:
You need to apply the flux to the actual thing you're soldering the component onto - flux is how your solder sticks/flows onto the thing you're soldering.

PCB's usually require a softer touch and more precision, especially surface mount PCB stuff.
Presiona para expandir...
I think it may be also the fact that the tip is pretty large compared to smaller components. For capacitors and a bit bigger parts it does fine. When it comes to small traces like on that micro usb port, it is pretty difficult.
 
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