Fast Tracks

I am working to build turnouts (#6) and I am finding that the aluminum template seems to be acting like a heat sink when I try to solder the rails to the PC ties.

The wire often bubbles into balls and does not move well, I think the template is taking heat away from the Weller iron via the rails. At times I hold the iron to the rail for up to 30 seconds and hardly anything happens.

When I remove the turnout from the template, I easily can get the iron to move the solder around; in just seconds the balls disappear and the solder work looks much better.

I do the preparation: for the ties - sanding them slightly; for the iron - making sure the iron point is clean/hot (not carbonized).

I am using the Weller 35 watt iron, ST7 conical tip, 1/16 PC ties, Code 70 MicroEngineering rail, .015 wire, and acid flux.

Any help would be very appreciated...

Sambear

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"Life is about learning"

Hello Sambear,

As the core of the PC Board ties act as an insulator, it is not likely that the fixture is the problem. If the solder is balling up on you there are usually two reasons. The iron is not hot enough, or the surface of the ties are not clean enough.

If you haven't already, check out the soldering video that came with the CD, or that is on our website at http://www.handlaidtrack.com/an01-online.php Tim demonstrates a number of techniques that should help you out. If you jump ahead to about the 12-1/2 minute mark it covers the exact problem you are describing with some suggestions on how to solve it.

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Cheers!

Ron Warris
Fast Tracks

Ron:

Thanks, I looked back at the video on the CD. I need to work harder at cleaning the ties I guess, though at times the iron has been finicky transferring heat.

It just seemed so odd to me that blobs appeared when I first tried to solder the fixture together and then, simply by removing the turnout from the template, I could make the solder 'dance' when I reapplied the iron, so I thought the rail was conducting heat to the template.

I appreciate your very prompt response.

Sambear

_________________
"Life is about learning"

Alas, watching the CD, again, proved very beneficial. I discovered my soldering technique needed some improvement. Since heading back to class I have produced several more turnouts with far better welds.

Also, despite my initial misgivings when a friend asked me to try it, I found that 'lead free' 0.5 ml solder can produce very similar results to that of 0.015 ml wire on my HO turnouts. Though in a tight spot, I still prefer the smaller diameter wire.

Sambear

_________________
"Life is about learning"