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
Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
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Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
Last edited by sliberty on Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
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.
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.
Re: Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
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.
An additional suggestion is to degrease the pot casing with naphtha or lacquer thinner.
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Re: Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
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
Allyn
Re: Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
The pots I have are Alphas. I used a higher wattage iron, and the solder seems solid. Thanks to all who responded.
Re: Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
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
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Re: Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
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
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Re: Basic question: How To Solder on Pot Back
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
Dan
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Seek immediate medical attention if you suddenly go either deaf or blind.
If you put the Federal Government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years time there would be a shortage of sand.