How to solder in a “ Sitting Position”

Hi All.   The whole idea of soldering in a “ Sitting Position” ??  Goes against my nature, I learnt to solder, standing at a bench and have always soldered that way since, but since I fractured a vertebra in my Lumber Spine, I find it near impossible to stand at a bench for very long periods. Hot soldering irons and solder no go well with bodily contact? I know all too well, but , needs must. As it is, I use a stool, which I retreat to, but all jobs take that bit longer.Would some kind member come up with a sensible idea to solve this issue?  Best wishes. Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Bar stool, adjustable height chair, or similar.

Nigel

Hi Nigel.  Thank you for your reply. Good idea ,but, I am using a high level stool as it is, and sometimes I just cannot reach to solder without standing . Doing the work “ on my lap “ is risky. I just have to do one “joint” at a time. But I will just have to take my time?  Best wishes. Kevin

I am still a learner when it comes to soldering. I started using a stool at my workbench but did not find this very comfortable for most jobs. And I found it difficult to keep my hands steady.

For most jobs, I have changed to using a chair at my workbench. When I am sitting, the benchtop is then about chest high. This lets me rest my wrists or forearms on the bench.

 The down side is that the area within reach is small so jobs take longer. But I have learnt that strange skill of keeping the bench tidy and what I need within reach.

Not very elegant but as you say needs must.

Cheers
Evan

Hi Evan. Thank you for your reply.  That is very important , keeping your bench tidy, nearly as important as keeping the floor of your workshop clear of trip hazards. But I find taking a much longer , to do a simple task infuriating . I just don’t seem to be getting anywhere , unlike fifty odd years ago. Best wishes. Kevin

An adjustable height stool to get it perfect. (Useful for show layouts too)https://www.amazon.co.uk/Folding-perching-ironing-padded-adjustable/dp/B004U9LWUO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1514362955&sr=8-3&keywords=Ironing+stool

You need to be able to get your legs under the bench, / work area.  Either remove stuff from under it or make some sort of folding leaf

A welding leather apron, they're a better solution than cotton and larger. Saved me a few times. Stops SWMBOs complaints about paint and glue on the trousers as well!!

I use a made to measure wooden tray, that fits on the arms of an old wood armed armchair in the railway shed.

An artist's desk easel, or home made version,  will lift work up at a Variety of angles, closer to you, a small g clamp can hold work in position, 
https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/easels/wooden-combined-easel-desk/4897021650521

It might be a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but how about a jeweller's bench?

Regards,

David V.

I am lucky in that I designed my workbench myself and I do all my modelling work sat in a computer chair - one side of the bench has a sheet of plate glass which I solder on and by swivelling slightly I have access to the other side which has a cutting mat and a moveable vice (it screws to the bench with a clamp and I just move it to one side when I need more space.

If I need my Proxxon mini pillar drill I clear space on the cutting mat and lift it up from under the bench.


I received a mini bench grinder for Christmas which will live under the bench too (great value by the way £19.99 from Lidl at the end of November).

It sounds like you are well set up, Rob.   :cool:

Hi Rob.   Thank you for your reply . It is only since July ? That I have had the problem, and just like cooking I never considered doing anything , apart from eating meals and falling asleep in front of the telly, sitting down . I even built a wooden extension bench top for my “ Workmate” . As for Lidl? I have never been able to get there before the bargains have been sold. Proxxon Tools? that’s a new brand to me. I will have to consider buying myself a present. Best wishes. Kevin

Hi Q. Thank you for your reply.  I had already considered a folding stool, when I had a go at the club layout, but, I do have a rather solid stool that I use . But I am a bit clumsy/ unstable and likely to either break it or fall off a lightweight stool. Which reminds me, It  actually happened to me in the queue at PC World. But you have given me some food for thought.   Best wishes. Kevin

Hi David V. Thank you for your reply. Another good idea, but I can only hope that between them, my GP and the NHS, can fix my back for me. Best wishes.  Kevin

Soldering sitting down ?  Might not help your back but, DON'T wear shorts.  :It's a no no

The folding ironing stool I use is very strong, I'm 18 stone and it's never wimpered.

Hi.  Q. Thank you for your reply.  With me it isn’t my weight so much as my unsteadyness, and I am just as likely? To topple as-to break the stool.   Best wishes. Kevin

Hi Kevin
 This is a laptop computer desk ,which can be easily made
 from ally tubing , and the plastic knock in connectors .
 This one is from Aldi
  It is fully height , and tilt adjustable . easy to move ,
and is VERY STABLE .
 You can even take it to bed with you .
 I find it useful for all sots of jobs .
 Regards Ted
 

Hi Ted  thank you for your reply .  That is a very good idea.  You would not believe it??  I do have a similar table, but my example is not so stable. And I have used it for my Laptop , The stand is “T Shaped” and only has three castors, if I could add another cross member? and a fourth castor it would improve the stability .Best wishes and a Happy New Year. Kevin

Hi Passed Driver,

In my youth, I worked in an electronics factory. The assembly lines were run with the operators seated.

My back is also a problem, so I have to work seated. We live in a retirement village, with limited space, so I usually end up at the dining room table. (My wife is really forgiving).

To avoid soldering ones lap, I use a drop-cloth, one end attached to the table, and the other on my lap.
This also stops things like springs or nuts vanishing in the carpet.

Roy Low :mrgreen:

Hi Rob Low.   Thank you for your reply. a “ Drop Cloth” seems like an excellent idea. I have been using a tray to catch the odd screw,rather than trying to find it on the carpet. But not with 100% success. Screws or whatever shouldn’t bounce off a cloth.    Best wishes. Kevin

Sorry for missing your question on 31st DEC, the Folding Ironing stools like the one I posted, have those wide bars at the bottom of the legs and are actually more stable than a normal stool.



 Which reminds me, I have a show on Saturday, Time to dig the stool out again..



Drop cloth an old Idea, Jason and the Argonauts hunting the golden fleece, is believed to be based on the fleece old gold workers wore on their laps to collect gold dust to stop it escaping or used in "panning" for gold in a sluice)..