Learn to Solder

Book excerpt: Learn the fundamentals of soldering—and pick up an essential skill for building electronic gadgets. You’ll discover how to preheat and tin your iron, make a good solder joint, desolder cleanly (when things don't quite go right), and how to use helping hands to hold components in place. This concise book is part of MAKE’s Getting Started with Soldering Kit. Using the tools in the kit and some electronic components, you can practice soldering while making fun blinky objects. Then show the world you just learned a new skill by wearing the Learn to Solder Skill Badge. Learn how to prepare your workspace Get to know the components you’ll work with Use the best methods for soldering components in place Experience the perfect solder joint Know how to desolder when things don’t work the first time Heat up the iron and start soldering today!