Soldering on Model Railways Part 1

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#235510 (In Topic #12972)
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Choice of soldering irons and their uses.

https://youtu.be/jEXwCXCrVX0

Regards Charlie
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Personnally wouldn't use any of those soldering irons, none are of good quality, the review of that solder station reports wobbly tips, a noisy transformer ( overloaded?) And a difficulty in obtaining new tips.I'd only recommend a Weller, Antex, Hakko or Metcal / Oki soldering iron.
Draper ( and silverline) are relabellers of cheap tools, however if you need a cheap tool that you've seen from them then have a good look around the net and you'll probably find the base tool cheeper elsewhere.

The soldering shown would have my old workshop practices instructor having kittens, however it is passable if not best practice.

Odd things,
 Not trimming the wire to just the amount bare required,
Cutting track webs opposite each other allows  the sleepers to move in relation to each other.
Not showing adjustment of the wire stripper to correctly strip the wire.

Last edit: by The Q


Now I've finally started a model railway…I've inherited another…
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An interesting video, but it ignores  important health issues which can lead people into breathing corrosive chemicals. This is really dangerous and should not be skipped so readily.

Please be exceeding cautious when working with chemicals. Read the label and take recommended precautions. 

Fluxes for soldering can be particularly harmful to your lungs and may cause mild to severe reactions, possibly harmful long term.

Bill


At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
 
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Hi Charlie,

Lead-free is almost as nasty as lead-containing solder. All soldering needs to be done with good ventilation moving away from the work station. And wearing gloves and eye protection. Most fluxes, liquid or solid, are usually highly corrosive, again, gloves and eye protection. Even the organic flux I use has to be used with caution.

You very clearly show that the basics are not difficult (whether we do exactly the same as you is not the point), but I think this clip would really benefit from some clear up-front pointers on the health and safety basics of working with solder and flux. Many of which are in various posts right here on this site.

Nigel

©Nigel C. Phillips
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