Solder Help?

FunkMetalBass · 05-25-2009, 04:57 PM

I just got in a set of EMG 45DC's that I'm wanting to put into my Schecter, but I can't, for the life of me solder the ground wire to the pot's base. I don't know if it's the metal or what, but the solder will not stick. What's more, I can't melt the solder joints to any other pot bases. Ideas?

Also, I'm not sure which tab is which on this output jack. It's enclosed and lain out differently than what I've seen.

I'm using a light-duty rosin core solder, if it's pertinent at all.

Mr. Pickle · 05-27-2009, 03:46 PM

Try heating up the pot a little, as well. Sometimes both surfaces need to be hot for solder to stick to that kind of application. (in my experience)

chronopops · 05-27-2009, 03:54 PM

What wattage is the iron? I use a 40 watt, works fine. Pots take a long time to heat up. Try using flux.

FunkMetalBass · 05-27-2009, 03:59 PM

It ended up being that the rubbing alcohol I used to clean the pot wasn't strong enough. Some 600-grit sand paper worked great to clear off whatever microscopic layer of shellac or coating was on there and inhibiting my work. I dropped some solder on there and it seemed to have stuck and held pretty well.

I only use a 30W iron, but it's never been a problem before. I might invest in a better one a bit later.

Thanks, guys.

05-25-2009, 04:57 PM	#1
FunkMetalBass GrandMaster FunkMetal Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. Posts: 12,727	Solder Help? I just got in a set of EMG 45DC's that I'm wanting to put into my Schecter, but I can't, for the life of me solder the ground wire to the pot's base. I don't know if it's the metal or what, but the solder will not stick. What's more, I can't melt the solder joints to any other pot bases. Ideas? Also, I'm not sure which tab is which on this output jack. It's enclosed and lain out differently than what I've seen. I'm using a light-duty rosin core solder, if it's pertinent at all. Last edited by FunkMetalBass; 05-25-2009 at 05:01 PM.

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05-27-2009, 03:46 PM	#2
Mr. Pickle Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 9,049	Try heating up the pot a little, as well. Sometimes both surfaces need to be hot for solder to stick to that kind of application. (in my experience)

05-27-2009, 03:54 PM	#3
chronopops I don't like DOUGHNATS Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 3,325	What wattage is the iron? I use a 40 watt, works fine. Pots take a long time to heat up. Try using flux.

05-27-2009, 03:59 PM	#4
FunkMetalBass GrandMaster FunkMetal Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. Posts: 12,727	It ended up being that the rubbing alcohol I used to clean the pot wasn't strong enough. Some 600-grit sand paper worked great to clear off whatever microscopic layer of shellac or coating was on there and inhibiting my work. I dropped some solder on there and it seemed to have stuck and held pretty well. I only use a 30W iron, but it's never been a problem before. I might invest in a better one a bit later. Thanks, guys.