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cable diy, solder questions

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  • 24-01-2014 8:16pm
    #1
    kumate_champ07
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,150 ✭✭✭


    Im starting to make my own cables, do I need to 'tin' the exposed wire before making the solder joint?

    after I twist the wire with my fingers (I snip off the end), can I dip the exposed wire in some acetone(and let it dry) or is there no need to clean any potential skin oil/contamination before I apply solder?

    the cable is Cordial SC The Spirit (for some TS patch cables)


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    #2
    TroutMask
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 743 Mod ✭✭✭✭TroutMask


    You don't need to clean the bare copper. The solder used for electronics purposes contains a rosin flux core, and this flux cleans the oxides from the copper and promotes 'flowing' so that the solder can adhere to the copper and form a good electrical connection. If practical, I usually tin my cables before the final joint is made. I don't do it when soldering components onto a PCB. When soldering connectors (1/4", XLR, say), I strip and tin the cable, then load the solder buckets or tags on the connector with solder. Then I finish off the joint by reheating the bucket/tag, positioning the tinned cable in the molten solder.


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