I have no interest in using tin/lead solder.
I'll find some appropriate flux before I push on any further.

 

I have no interest in using tin/lead solder.

Then you will find soldering even more difficult.

 

I have no interest in using tin/lead solder.

What problem do you have with tin/lead solder?

 

Tin\lead solder isn't going to to kill you, it'll save the amount of time you are on the iron.

But in all honesty I think you have a lot to learn.

No doubt about it.

Steep curve here.
Flux error noted and proper flux inbound.

Also I'm going to design and order some PCBs setup like the adafruit perma breadboards except with components set up at the top for my smps.
Those boards i have are a real pain to work with.

 

In my toolbox, in the electronics industry, is a Flux Pen an important tool.
And if it's rework, then of course some suitable wiping paper and alcohol for cleaning.

A search of the Flux Pen on eBay provides well over 1000 listings.

 

What problem do you have with tin/lead solder?

I dont want to contribute to heavy metals in the ground water. I live where the water I drink literally comes out of a hole in the ground beside my house. I dont want my children or my children's children being made ill (or worse, forced to buy their water from state sponsered water purification plants).

No Lead.

I'll confirm when I get my flux, but the issue i'm having is more related to keeping the tip clean. I got on a roll doing some sockets on the main part of the board where it was heating fast and flowing great. But I cant seem to keep the tip wetted well. It wetted out real well when I first started, then it just kinda got black and hard to clean. I notice when its like this it doesnt heat very well.

My other issue with the soldering is the board, its a piece of junk. Trying to position tiny peices of cut-out resistor leads as jumpers. I think I used some bad words.

This thread has given me some decent advice, and a couple wicked sweet ideas. Thanks!

 

I dont want to contribute to heavy metals in the ground water.

If this is the case, then you shouldn't be doing any of this.

(FYI, the lead in circuit boards doesn't contribute a significant amount to the lead in the environment.)

 

If this is the case, then you shouldn't be doing any of this.

(FYI, the lead in circuit boards doesn't contribute a significant amount to the lead in the environment.)

Can you back this up?
Or is this just fact because you said?
I understand .1g of lead in my projects solder is insignificant, but only when compared to other bad actors.
Still, no lead.
Now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside like I just saved the world.
Ignorance is bliss.

 

So this took me two hours, and in my opinion, looks like trash.
It works though...
This is just step one, its the switching PSU for my project.
Can someone who knows soldering let me know what they think? I feel like i suck at it.
View attachment 115269
View attachment 115270

"First make it work, then make it pretty."
----Nichols Prime Directive

 

Well be prepared for a hard time, breathing in flux isn't real crash hot either, so you'd better be investing in proper filtration.

I've been breathing lead infused flux fumes since I was 9 years old.

My lung feels great.

 

It's just that he seemed so concerned with lead getting into the water table, thought it'd be best to identify that hazzard as well.

I've got a pretty good handle on the hazards. The lead isn't my hazard. I'm thinking about a bigger picture, is just the right thing to do. Lead is dangerous. So is flux vapor, and solder fume. But flux vapor won't cause nerve damage for hundreds of years as it leaches into the ground water from landfills.

Also all I need the flux for at this point is to tin my iron tip. Maybe dip some component pins if it works well for me.

If I don't like the fumes I'll build a ventilator.

 

What you need is Vero strip board..
See half way down page.
Prototyping Boards
Max.

For developing something that changes frequently, it is the best for me. PCB comes later.