Inconsistent Solder Joints

by Keith Robinson
(Cottingham, UK)

Hello,
I have already sent an email requesting your help with my terrible soldering. I attach a couple of pictures to help with your diagnosis
many thanks in advance for your comments.
Regards,
Keith (Robinson)

Answer
Hi Keith,

I'm going to put a copy of your email here so that everyone can read about your problem. I will also put in my reply as well as replying to this picture.

Original email message:

Having problems getting neat joints. I can weld neatly and am accomplished in many mechanical areas, but find soldering came quite frustrating. I am presently trying to build a gas soldering iron to see if that will help, as all the old professionals seem to prefer them. What are your thoughts please?

My reply to the email:

Hi Keith,

I'm definitely an old professional, as is my husband. We have been working in stained
glass for 33+ years and have never used a gas soldering iron. Actually, I've never seen
one and I don't know any professionals that use one. I assume the old professionals
used one because the type we use now wasn't available then. However, it's up to you
what you want to do.

Here are a few ideas to help you solder better.

First of all, don't solder like you weld. Solder like you've never done it before. In other words, try
to get rid of your preconceived ideas about welding/soldering.

Try using a cooler iron (an 80 watt instead of a 100 watt) until you get the hang of it. Use
plenty of flux and, don't try to put on a big glob of solder. Use a bit of solder about 1/2 the width of the tip of your soldering iron.

Once you start soldering, don't stop and hold the iron in your hand while you look over what
you have just done. The iron will get hotter the longer it sits, even if you have it on a temperature controller. Flux as much as you think you'll solder in one session, then solder away..no stopping.
You'll find a rhythm to it once you get started.

Touch down through the solder, count to 2, lift the iron straight up and go on to the next joint.
Wipe the iron on a paper wet towel frequently. That will clean the tip and cool it at the same time.

I hope this will help you. Believe me, if I could learn to solder, anyone can.:-)

Reply to your picture:

A picture is worth a thousand words! Thanks for submitting it.

I would say your soldering iron isn't hot enough and/or you're not holding the iron down long enough. The solder hasn't had a chance to melt on the lead. It should be fairly flat, but, at the same time, just slightly rounded. You should be using at least an 80 watt soldering iron. Use a paste flux (for lead, not welding) and try my suggestions above. Let me know how you do.

Regards,
Sue