First of all, let me say that the battery operated soldering irons work like GARBAGE!
Well, they do for me.
Since I finally built the clustered S.W.A.T./Satellite Interceptor, I thought it was time to replace the clip whip that someone "borrowed" a few years back. To my knowledge, I've never soldered before, so I went to Home Depot (Smoked Pork's sponsor) to buy the materials I'd need. Seemed simple enough. In theory the solder is supposed to "flow" into the area where the wire meets the metal of the clip. I spent the better part of an hour tonight trying to get the theory to work. I wound up with some silvery globs that would make some lovely jewelry, but I never managed any kind of flow at all. The iron never really stayed hot enough, so it's back to Smoked Pork Depot to test the return policy tomorrow.
What in the hell was I thinking?

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark

In additon to good heat, you need some flux or you'll never get anything to stick together.

Bill, tsk, tsk, tsk...

PM me your address. A few years ago I bought out the remains of a Radio Shack that was closing.

I have a bunch of clips. I'll make you up a nice set.

__________________
"I'm a sandman. I've never killed anyone. I terminate runners when their time is up." Logan from "Logan's Run"

http://sandmandecals.com/

Come here, Bill. Sounds like you need a hug. On second thought, send your wife.
Yes, I bought one of those battery powered soldering irons many years ago. A sadder, but wiser modeler now.
I still use a wood burning iron from decades ago, because I know its idiosyncracies (if I could spel it). Yes, I-T.
Just remember lil' buckaroo, it is all about the clip whip and chains... Chain stores!

What? All y'll didn't subscribe to SNOAR News?

Chas

What in the flux are you talking about?

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark

Thanks, Gordon, but I'm past that point. It's a test of manhood at this point. I'm going to build a clip whip or burn my hated house down trying.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark

This one mentioned that it could be used as a wood burner. I was thinking of doing some "branding" on some of my birds.

__________________
Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark

Bill,

Instead of heating the solder with the iron, I place the iron under the clip and then put the solder on top of the clip and let it melt into the wires. Works everythime (assuming the iron works )

__________________
Don
NAR 53455
"Carpe Diem"

"How to solder" movies by the friendly folks at NASA.

http://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov/telescope/soldering.htm

Do you think they produced this for the folks working on Ares and Orion?

This is correct. If the wire and/or clip will not melt the solder, then it is not hot enough.

__________________
Have a good day
Bob
NAR 77103