Great. If you ever want to get a whole lot of soldering practice all in one project, go to www.TheLEDCube.com click the BUILD IT link at  the top to go to the assembly instructions. Either of the projects will have you a master solderer in no time.   Don't forget to keep your tip wiped and...

I use Kynar wire for many projects, which is not easy to strip without damaging the wire itself because it's so thin. My solution is to lay the tip of the wire on a piece of cardboard, put the tip at the point where I want it stripped, and pull the wire. This strips the wire perfectly but of...

Back in the 80's I had a summer job during summer vacation with an electrical company and we handled up to three aught for 3 phase transformers. Nothing like the smell of Yellow 77 in the morning! (electricians will get that). Didn't have much need to solder it though, although I know people...

First thing to try is liquid solder flux on the wire, or a solder paste. If it's a solid wire, you can take black sandpaper to the wire first as well. If the wire is aluminum, I may not have a solution for you other than to change wire. Also, use a soldering iron, and not the torch you use...

Thanks Duncan. As an addendum, I would like to add that under normal PCB soldering (not heavy wires) I actually run my iron at 250 to 275. I put it up to 300 for heavy work with thicker tips. I have an 852D which is inexpensive. Many companies put their name on it but the model number...

Sandpapering is a last resort to get the oxidization off. Flux will help the tinning process when the tip is clean.   LOWER heat is better. Here's why. Higher temperatures are what cause the rapid oxidization in the first place. It can be as simple as going one setting down.   I...