tried to to solder some track this week

[wombat457]

Like Rodney, I am not the worlds best solderer but I do find using Rosin Core Solder easier to use than solid core. I also use flux to help the spread of the solder.

In so far as cleaning my tips, an acquaintance told me to apply a little solder on the tip then "quickly" brush the tip on the leg of my jeans (old ones though). That cleans the tip better than using water or any other way that may be considered the norm.

As for an iron, I have a Weller 35 watt iron as well, with a small wedged shape tip. I also have another "Radio Shack" brand iron (also 35 watt) with a pointed tip. Which do you guys think would be better for soldering feeders to the side of a rail?

 

[fcwilt]

Just information to be filed away:


For "normal" soldering:

http://www.zoro.com/i/G2400571/?category=7085


For soldering wires-to-rails, parts-to-brass-engine, etc.

http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70140823


For tip cleaning:

http://www.techtoolsupply.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=900-242


I realize that the tools above are expensive by most folks standards but I look at it from the cost of the layout as a whole.

For example on my layout I have 60 some Tortoise switch machines - around $200 for a 12 pack - that comes to around $1000 for all 60.

And the turnouts they control, Peco Code 83 Streamline at, say, $20-$25 each - that comes to $1200-$1500 for all 60.

Start adding up the rest of the materials needed to build the layout, the engines/cars to run on the layout, the electronics to control the layout, etc.


Then the tools don't seem so expensive and they do make soldering SO much easier.

And then consider the money you save on the Rogaine you would need, trying to regrow the hair you pull out in frustration, when using tools that aren't so great.

 

[Charles Smiley]

Another good way to solder with a little more precision is to buy solder paste such as the type used in surface mounted integrated circuit soldering. SOlder paste is a mix of ground up solder in a flux paste. Get a Jameco catalog and look it up in injection type tubes.
You can put a little dab exactly where you want it with a toothpick.

But practice with junk parts, rails and wire BEFORE you attack the layout is a better idea.

 

[marriedshades]

Thanks for the advice with the the temp being i. the 100 here. been to hot to get in the train room. tbe centrail air doesnt cool that room to well and i havent got the money to by a window unit.