[Daryn Alexander]

Need to desolder components. I've been practicing and can get them off easy the first time around with a pump. Then there's a thin layer of solder on the copper pad I can't get off, even with braid. Is this important or can I just solder something else into position?

 

[splaz]

It shouldn't matter at all unless it's covering a hole or something. The only reason I can think of you'd be worried about any left over solder is there is the disadvantage that there won't be flux (if you're using flux cored) to do it's thing unless you add some, so it could make for a slightly less ideal join over new solder if you've got a somewhat corroded/dirty pad/leg. However if I can in the past I have reused the old solder left on the board with no problems. Not really a problem though as you'll be applying new solder anyway.

edit: On my soldering practive board that's copper etched that is pretty much tinned now as there is a very fine layer of solder on most of the copper. Now I tried to get that off just to see if I could and it wouldn't budge, not that I wanted it off anyway. So to me at least it would be very hard to get rid of.

 

[Fitz]

You'll never get that last film of solder off the copper. Don't worry about it, it's just the same as having a pre-tinned board, and will keep the copper from oxidizing.

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitz /img/forum/go_quote.gif You'll never get that last film of solder off the copper. Don't worry about it, it's just the same as having a pre-tinned board, and will keep the copper from oxidizing.

x2.

As long as it's just a thin film (and not a lump), don't worry about it.

 

[SiBurning]

I'd go further. If you try getting it off, you seriously risk pulling the copper off the board. It's good, so leave it be.

 

[XFxGeforced]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiBurning /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd go further. If you try getting it off, you seriously risk pulling the copper off the board. It's good, so leave it be.

yeah it sucks when you overheat it and it comes off the board. I just take some copper desoldering braid, set it ontop of the solder i want to remove, heat up the braid till the solder melts, and it stick right to it.

 

[Ace o' Spades]

If a really thin layer is covering the hole, even after using a desoldering braid, I just give it a quick flick of the soldering iron to clear the hole. The leftover solder does make it a bit tough to solder the component back in though.