Circuitrocks

Soldering iron just arrived? Start here.

First-week basics:

• Tin the tip before every session
• Wet sponge or brass wool, not a dry one
• 60/40 lead-rosin or lead-free? Lead-rosin is more forgiving for beginners
• Iron temp: 350C for through-hole, 320C for SMD
• Heat the joint, then apply solder to the joint (not the tip)

Common mistakes: cold joints, lifting pads, bridges. Post photos of your first joints, we'll diagnose.