I apologize for the novice-ness of this question:

I have been practicing soldering various components onto PC Board. I have it down pretty well. All the joints on the PC Board are shiny, pyramid-shaped, and strong.

However, I was wondering how I could solder two components directly together, such as a resistor to a push-button switch. How should the joint look? How can I balance the components while holding the solder and the iron? Just basically, how should I go about soldering two components directly together.

Thanks in advance!

There are metal "helping hands" available that act as adjustable clamps. Very good investment if you do a lot of soldering, should be able to find some for under $20 at RS or for real cheap on Ebay. Twizted or someone else involved in a ton of soldering may be able to recommend any specific models that are very good.

Of course there is a more home brew type of way, and that would be using anything that is able to hold one component in place by way of heavy weight or even magnets and then hold the other piece steady with your hand while soldering.

Word of advice, if you have not used flux yet I highly suggest you buy some. Although most solder is made with a flux core or something of the sort, independantly added flux increases the strength considerably. Liquid flux has been my choice just because it is all my dad had and happened to work extremely well by just applying it to the soldering iron, solder itself, and the connection with a Qtip. Three point application equals out to almost indestructable solder point.

get something like this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...t%5Fid=64-2991

It'll be a major help, believe me.

Edit: Damn you, Kage!!!!!!

Another great investment would be heatshrink and a heatgun.

I've gotta second the recommendation regarding liquid flux. I've always used it (except for when I had no choice). My uncle, an EE, taught me to solder with it. Connections tin MUCH quicker that way so there's less chance of damaging a component from excessive heat as well.

yea, or flux paste is good for SMD (Surface mount) and other delicate soldering. Just put some on the end of a toothpick.

Hey, thanks for your suggestions. I've heard of helping hands and I think they would be the best to use in this case. I will try out liquid flux. I assumed the flux core in the solder I have was good enough, but live and learn I guess.

Just to reiterate though, could someone tell me what the joint is supposed to look like when two components are directly connected together? Should the solder completely surround the leads to form an oval or ball? Thanks, again, I really appreciate all your help.

Here is a newbie soldering guide:

http://www.fanbus.com/thelab/Soldering/soldering.htm

Great guide for noobies, putwig! +Rep

Quote: Originally Posted by CRE Great guide for noobies, putwig! +Rep

I second that.

Quote: Just to reiterate though, could someone tell me what the joint is supposed to look like when two components are directly connected together? Should the solder completely surround the leads to form an oval or ball?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say neither. The connections that I have received from using flux and the minimal amount of solder gives me a very secure joint that conforms to what it looks like in the first place. Using too much solder is going to give you the ball/oval look. This is definitely not what you should go for, especially when you get into dealing with tight spaces.

Definitely give that flux a shot and start practicing on using a very small amount of solder so that there is not an excess ball/oval when you're done.