[linuxworks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuroguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif not sure if this was mentioned yet... NEVER use the tip of the iron to melt the solder. That will pretty much guarantee a cold joint.

not sure I agree.

suppose I start off melting by having the solder touch the iron, but if I have flux, it will flow into the hole and if I keep the iron there, the temp rises to the right level.

there's an element of timing involved more than just initial contact methods

pausing and letting it flow sometimes is key. and that pause allows the temp to get high enough to flow and let things settle.

 

[kuroguy]

OK. I'll give you that. But for someone just learning to solder, I think my method is easier to get right as it ensures everything is hot enough to create a good joint. Your method takes a certain amount of experience to know when you've got it all hot enough, and it is very easy (if you don't know what to look for) to get a blob of solder that looks like it flowed properly when in fact you have a cold joint.

I'll admit I do use both methods at different times, but I've been soldering things for over 35 years.