thought I'd throw this open to question as I maybe looking at putting together a kit as it looks like I will be working away from home through the week again. So ... starting with the basics .... the obvious solder, but which type. I heard Rob Pulham say that he solders everything with 145 degree solder so ..... is that on the cards ? Fluxes ..... I have several .... pastes and liquid flux. Solder iron, I have a 80 watt soldering station ( duratool ) as suggested by Rob, with various tips. i was thinking generally of the smaller point tip for tacking rather than a flood all chisel tip although I would carry both. a fibre glass pen or three and some files. Some cardboard nail files / fibre boards. some clamps, small screw drivers and a mix or knives with replacement blades. A hold and fold aaaaaaand ...... where applicable my chassis jig. feel free to comment and add anything I've missed. cheers toto
Hi Toto, You can get away with just using 145 but I would suggest some 180 and some 100 too (no need to take the entire roll if that's how you have bought it just take a short length and cut it into small pieces with a scalpel but don't forget to ut each type in a labeled resealable bag) along with something to use as a heat sink - self locking tweezers are good and you can always use wads of wet tissue at a pinch - kitchen roll would be best as it will stand being wet without disintegrating. A couple of pairs of smooth jawed pliers are a must too. Small cutting mat Small sheet of mdf or toughened glass to actually solder on - hotels will take a dim view of burned dressing/coffee tables
It's so that you can solder one bit on without the heat making an adjacent, previously soldered part fall off. As an example say that you are soldering multiple lamp irons on the back of a tender ot bunker on a tank engine. Solder one on. then clip a pair of self locking tweezers on it. They will both hold it in place and absorb the heat while you solder another one on nearby. - Next time I am doing something that will show it I will try to remember to take series of photos to highlight the method. You will very quickly learn how and where to use them and wonder how you managed with out.
Sounds ideal Rob .... all these things that can make life so much easier. I'll look forward to it. cheers toto
Maybe also a small amount of wire wool to clean up soldered etches with and a little bowl to fill with water so you can dunk the piece in to cool it down. If you are working in a hotel room during the evening think about some good lighting because that could make all the difference to success or feeling irritated.
Maybe one of the portable magnifying desk lamps or the head magnifiers. Glass table mat(s) 1 for soldering as Rob suggests, and a clean smooth one for checking things are flat. Some neodyium magnets, if the glass mat has feet, you can place them under the mat, and use one above to clamp the part flat and still while you solder it. Paul
Off the top of my head:- Soldering iron stand Tip cleaner Files Emery paper Mini square Metal rule Cleaning agents (hotel soap/shampoo ain't going to cut it!)
