Soldering Question

[Megadebt]

When soldering a wire to a pot for example, does the wire have to be in complete contact with the pot after the soldering tool has been removed, or is the solder itself good enough to conduct the electricity?

Thanks!

Cave Man

 

[WallyWest_KidFlash]

Solder will conduct, but it's always a good idea to have a good mechanical bond as well by passing the wire through the hole in the pot leg ...
When possible.

 

[Rich5150]

Personally while it may be ok not being fully in contact with the pot the potential for failure is there, I make sure that ive got a solid connection to the pot and flow the solder over the wire and pot.

 

[Sleestak]

I learned to solder from an electronics tech, and he always said "a good electrical connection begins as a solid mechanical connection".

 

[Megadebt]

Thanks, wish me luck - lol!

 

[JoKeR III]

I use a soldering aid similar to this set to press the wire against the pot while the solder cools. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/soldering-accessories/1763428/

 

[Megadebt]

I bought this it may help. I also have some tools like that, yay!

 

[paranoid]

be care full not to get the pot to hot while soldering to it.

 

[Megadebt]

Hopefully, I'll be in and out like a flash, lol.

I have this soldering station I'll be using.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weller-5-Watt-to-40-Watt-Soldering-Station-WLC100/100130478

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weller-Universal-Soldering-Accessory-Kit-WCACCK1-02/311573726

 

[DaveO]

In addition soldering aids I also like to use the helping hands so the wires are in perfect angle on the pot,
Amazon product ASIN B081TVYNS7Highly recommend this...

 

[JoKeR III]

be care full not to get the pot to hot while soldering to it.

...and turn the wiper to the opposite side of the area you're soldering.

 

[paranoid]

The pot contact

 

[JoKeR III]

I can handle the tabs on the pot. It's just soldering directly to the back of the pot I'm a lil leary about. I tried it once with a low power iron and i melted the guts on the pot.

I also have some heat sink clamps to use for the tabs on the pot - if needed.

Oh i think I see what youre saying. How do I know what side the wiper is on at any given time?

Forgive my ignorance.

Turn the shaft until it stops. The wiper will be by the lug in the direction you turned. Turning the shaft 1/2 turn away from the lug will put the wiper on the opposite side.

I always use heat sink clamps on the lugs.

 

[Megadebt]

Awesome thank you! I learn something new everyday. The more you know the easier it all gets.

I find this video to be very interesting.

 

[Justincase]

A question on here about making a new pot connection? Seems kinda risky too me.

 

[Rich5150]

This is a great course that Seymour Duncan put out a few months ago, it gets a little repetitive but it is thorough

https://tech.seymourduncan.com/p/101

 

[Tonedeaf]

I bought this it may help. I also have some tools like that, yay!

View attachment 83884

I know a scientist who has four extra arms that look like this.

 

[Tonedeaf]

Going to put new pickups in my old Pearl (the drum company) LP Junior Deluxe copy, but I'm cheating and getting a solderless harness. Plus the eyes are going and my hands are starting to shake when doing stuff like soldering.

 

[Chewie5150]

Jonesyblues YouTube channel has a lot of great soldering vids. Has good closeups to his work as he's soldering and talks through with very good tips

 

[Pwrmac7600]

As has been said, If you are having difficulty getting the wire to "stick" to the pot, then give it a minute for the pot to cool down before attempting to solder again, you can very easily fry out the pot if you over heat it.