I might suggest some potential improvements to the recommendations herein: -- Replace the iron tip with one that has higher heat capacity. This will allow for faster soldering of things like pot casings, and get less heat soak (and potential damage). The standard Cone shape is poorly suited for guitar work. Get a larger chisel tip of 3.2 or 4mm. -- Use a solder that is 63/37 eutectic instead of 60/40. This will resist cold joints and the improved flow at lower temperatures will help with the higher mass items. -- Unplug the iron when not in use so it doesn't just sit there at maximum temperature. Even a well-tinned tip will rapidly oxidize because a 25w iron in open air will have a tip temperature exceeding 450C in most cases-- MUCH TOO HOT. This will lead to burned wires, melted plastic, and ruined components. Keep your iron tinned and life is much easier. -- USE ADDITIONAL FLUX. The flux that's inside the solder is sometimes enough. But there are many cases where additional flux is most helpful. Especially with more massive parts like (again) pots and claws. Also, you will want it if you are soldering copper foil shielding together inside the cavities.
EDIT: NM It is under a playlist, but its labeled "Telecaster Playlist" =D But I found em either way! hey guys, I know this video is old.. but I have a request if you come across this comment. Could you please add all 6 into a playlist? BTW, I bought some Chris Bucks from you a couple years back, LOVE EM! Thinking as soon as I get some money going again (COVID ATE MY CHECK /laugh) I am going to pick up a set of PAF's for my epi LP Koa! Thanks for the great videos I was having a hell of a time soldering to my pot, these videos helped a great deal. If you had them on your page as a playlist it would reach a lot more people I bet!
I might suggest some potential improvements to the recommendations herein:
-- Replace the iron tip with one that has higher heat capacity. This will allow for faster soldering of things like pot casings, and get less heat soak (and potential damage). The standard Cone shape is poorly suited for guitar work. Get a larger chisel tip of 3.2 or 4mm.
-- Use a solder that is 63/37 eutectic instead of 60/40. This will resist cold joints and the improved flow at lower temperatures will help with the higher mass items.
-- Unplug the iron when not in use so it doesn't just sit there at maximum temperature. Even a well-tinned tip will rapidly oxidize because a 25w iron in open air will have a tip temperature exceeding 450C in most cases-- MUCH TOO HOT. This will lead to burned wires, melted plastic, and ruined components. Keep your iron tinned and life is much easier.
-- USE ADDITIONAL FLUX. The flux that's inside the solder is sometimes enough. But there are many cases where additional flux is most helpful. Especially with more massive parts like (again) pots and claws. Also, you will want it if you are soldering copper foil shielding together inside the cavities.
These videos are excellent! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I will be referring to your videos this week as I replace the pickups/pots in my Strat.
Thank you so much bitgwa - and if you need any tips or of course pickups just give us a shout! - Paul @ Radioshop
Very neat, very useful. Thank you !
HUGE thank you. These are golden.
EDIT: NM It is under a playlist, but its labeled "Telecaster Playlist" =D But I found em either way!
hey guys, I know this video is old.. but I have a request if you come across this comment. Could you please add all 6 into a playlist? BTW, I bought some Chris Bucks from you a couple years back, LOVE EM! Thinking as soon as I get some money going again (COVID ATE MY CHECK /laugh) I am going to pick up a set of PAF's for my epi LP Koa! Thanks for the great videos I was having a hell of a time soldering to my pot, these videos helped a great deal. If you had them on your page as a playlist it would reach a lot more people I bet!
Thanks for the video
Thanks, you are a great professor!! One question do you know which is better conductor between tin/lead 40/60 and tin/silver 96/4??
What do you think of Cardas Quad-metal audio solder? (Silver, Copper, Tin, and Lead- 338 degree f. Melting point)
Good job man thank you for sharing!!!!
Hello amigo!! What temp do you recommend for the soldering iron?
I use a 30 watt pencil-tip iron and heat it for a minimum of 5 minutes before using.
What size tip would you recommend, particularly for the backs of pots? Thanks in advance.
"Sol-der"?
Great tutorials. Thanks