QUOTE (DiesAL @ 18 Mar 2008, 05:21)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I've had problems with soldering wire to track as well.
I was (and still am) new to soldering but followed all the advice and had little difficulty in actually soldering the wire to the track BUT most of my joints ended up pulling free.
I'm pretty sure it was (as mentioned above) my not heating the rail and wire sufficiently before applying the solder however I found that even after heating the same for several seconds the solder still took a few seconds to start melting.
What was I doing wrong? The soldering iron is pretty old but is 25W and the tip was cleaned after each solder and tinned?
Just wondered with the above references to 'one second' being sufficient time?
***Hi
do NOT apply the Iron to the rail to pre-heat it - this will simply oxidise the rail and make sure the solder will not flow or stick properly.
Preparation.
Cut away a bit of web between sleepers.
Clean the underside of the rail with a needle file. (Basically file it clean!)
apply a little liquid flux.
wipe the Iron tip on the sponge then put a little solder on the tip
apply Iron to rail and the solder will flow and "tin" the rail.
Strip the wire.
Apply a little liquid flux to the stripped wire
wipe the Iron tip on the sponge then put a little solder on the tip
apply Iron to stripped wire and the solder will flow and "tin" the wire.
Attaching the dropper.
Bend the tinned wire 90 degrees about 3mm from the end
apply a little liquid flux to the tinned rail
place the wire on the rail base
wipe the soldering iron on the damp sponge and apply to the joint (it should need no more solder on it, but if it makes you feel happier add just a wee bit
Solder will flow and you can remove the Iron. hold very still and count to five. Let go - you will have a neat, permanent, strong joint.
FLUX: Either from DCCconcepts, C&L finescale (Use their orange or yellow flux only) or Bromsgrove models, who should have supplies of my Sapphire Flux.
SOLDER: do not use lead free. (Despite what people may tell you lead bearing solder is not banned for hobby use, only for production electronics use)
C&L have an excellent 179 degree solder that works much better than lead free OR standard 60:40 leaded solders.
DCCconcepts sapphire 179 flows exceptionally well as it contains a little silver to aid flow and it is available ex stock Perth AU or should be ex stock from Bromsgrove models in the UK.
the 179 degree solders are also best for soldering any electronics, inc decoder wires etc.
Regards
Richard
DCCconcepts