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Appendix A — Soldering and Safety Basics               385






































                             FIGURE A-1: Weller soldering iron with holder and cleaning sponge



                                 Never file or grind the tip. The tips of modern soldering irons are pre-tinned and pre-
                                 shaped. Using a file on them destroys this surface and may harm the temperature sensor
                                 (if it has one).
                                 Always keep the soldering iron in the holder when not in use. Laying the soldering iron
                                 down on the table not only invites painful accidents; it also can melt nearby unintended
                                 substances, which can be particularly troubling if they actually melt to the tip.
                                 If you do inadvertently melt something to the soldering iron, carefully wipe it off on the
                                 cleaning sponge while the iron is hot. If that doesn’t clean it off, replace the tip.
                                 Only turn it on when you need it. Irons aren’t meant to be on for more than a few hours.
                                 Don’t leave it on overnight.


                             Solder
                             There are many types of solder. The three main aspects of various types of solder are: lead or
                             lead-free, acid or rosin flux core, and diameter. For most electronics work, get lead solder with
                             rosin core. Acid flux solder should never be used for electronics work. The diameter is less
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