Gotta love that old solder

Broodwich

Well-known member

Donor 6 years: 2012-2013, 2015, 2020, 2023-2024
Joined
Feb 20, 2011
Messages
9,846
Reaction score
420
Location
Albany, New York
sweet jeebus I've never had so much trouble doing something as simple as replacing a power cord. It was time to replace the cord on my Robotron restoration, I figured it'd be nice quick and easy.... wrong.

That old solder is crazy! even reflowing new solder into the joint didn't seem to help much. In the end i prevailed but i'm starting to rethink a few classic Williams projects I was planning.
 
Its not just the solder but the size of the legs on that IR filter (I'm assuming thats where your talking about). Theres so much metal there that if your iron isnt really hot it will dissipate enough heat to not melt the solder.

I usually cut off the old cord, tin the new wire REALLY good and come at the connection with the tinned wire and soldering iron at the same time. That or I use an iron that can handle the load.
 
You're using too small of a soldering iron. You need one of the 200 watt or bigger soldering guns. It makes quick work of stuff like soldering cords and big rectifier bridges. I've had one since I was in high school. Ever so often you need more power. :)


soldering_gun.jpg
 
mmm, I was using my 65w hakko iron around 700f (for that extra heat), normally i run it around 625-650. but yup i am referring to the lugs on the Filter. maybe i will invest in one of those solder guns (maybe find one used).

I just couldn't believe it, my iron normally has 0 issues, and it took way to long to replace a power cord.
 
I actually have one of those Weller soldering guns.

should've fucking used that when I did that Defender sound board. the joints on the grounds are uber hard to get to melt lol
 
Back
Top Bottom