Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back

[sliberty]

This may seem very basic, but I have always had trouble with it. What is the best way to solder a ground wire (bus) onto the back of the pots in my EXpress build? Anytime I have tried to solder onto the back of a pot, i have found that the solder doesn't really adhere solidly to the pot. It sort of sticks a little, but pops right off as soon as any pressure is exerted. Would a higher wattage iron help at all? Someone once told me that this is the key.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

[Bob-I]

Personally I don't like this method of grounding. I prefer using a ground bus wire above the pots, but....

To get a decent solder joint to a pot, start with some sandpaper or emory cloth. Rough up the spot you want to solder to first. Often the manufacture will have a coating on the metal. Use a fairly high wattage iron,40-50 watts, and a wide flat tip. Tin the iron, pot and wire first.

[mlp-mx6]

Firstly, I concur with Bob. I don't like the "solder to the pot body" approach either - though I know Mr. Fischer used it.

An additional suggestion is to degrease the pot casing with naphtha or lacquer thinner.

[Allynmey]

Steve, What kind of pots are you using? Alphas solder fine if you grind a little circle on the back of the pot. I use a dremel tool with a grinding bit to lightly score the back. PEC's...forget it! Stainless backs will tak hundreds of watts! I think the newer clarostats are like the PEC's

Allyn

[sliberty]

The pots I have are Alphas. I used a higher wattage iron, and the solder seems solid. Thanks to all who responded.

[krash]

BTW I'll also add myself to the "don't solder to pots" camp but if you want to improve adhesion, use some liquid flux on the pot.

[Darkbluemurder]

Me, too. I wouldn't solder ground wires to the brass plate (as in Fenders) either. When I changed the brass plate grounds to wired grounds in my Bandmaster hum was substantially reduced.

[skyboltone]

I wonder about conductive plastic pots and the heat it takes to get a good solder joint. I've never ruined one but then again I've never tried it either.

Dan