My first solder job looks like it was done by a drunk 3 year

>>1086129
Meh its cool enough. Just check around for shorts.
And if solder is not "matt" color.

>>1086131
Not op, but should solder be matte or shiny?

>>1086129
that is a shitty joint to be honest but if it works it works

solder iron not hot enough and too much solder, probably poorly wetted and is cold

>>1086134
shiny

watch the pace soldering videos for explaination

>>1086138
Thanks

>>1086129
OP I can torch weld, stick weld and mig pretty neatly and I still can't do a decent soldering job, don't feel bad.

>>1086129
looks fine to me

>>1086129
Maybe use a bit of flux next time too.

>>1086459
Takes a bit of practice.

>>1086129
Is there a /diynosaur approved budget soldering iron? My joints always come out matt colored, and with how long it takes to melt the solder, I'm guessing my iron isn't getting hot enough. It's a $12 Chinese soldering station. Don't recall where I got it.

>>1087780
I use a Yihua 937D+. I think they go for ~$35-40. It comes with some nice tips, including a needle tip small enough for me to do 0402 SMD work. It has a nice readout and temperature control and could handle all but one job I threw at it, but that wasn't really the iron's fault considering I had to use the 300W monster at work set to 700°C to finish that particular project.

The one issue I've had with the three units I've had (their failure was my fault, not the iron's) is that the fuses are really undersized and blow within a few uses. The kicker is that the fuse soldered in. On a soldering iron. A paper clip will do fine to keep it running, though I have proper fuse holder fitted onto mine.

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looks good to me

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I got a cheap soldering station on amazon for 50 €
Just stick to what's been said earlier and watch some tutorials on yt
After a few hours of practice you should be able to solder SMDs
Pic related.

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what does DIY think of the TS100 programmable soldering irons you see on cheap Chinese sites?

>>1089208
>designed to get hot
>cheap chinese
No.

>>1089208
Bought one. Used it. Still use it. It's good. Use a decent power supply (laptop charger is fine).
More convenient than a full station, 99% of the time.

>>1086129
>I wonder how long it'll last.

Not long, but only because the USB plug they chose has no retention tabs.