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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Katy, TX
    Posts
    6,368

    Default Soldering 12 gauge wire.

    Any tricks to soldering 12 gauge wire? Redoing my tower wiring and was hoping to be on the water by now. Does not seem as if my soldering iron gets the wire hot enough to accept the solder
    David

    2017 Moomba Mojo Max Surf Edition, 2 Pair Wetsounds Rev10s powered by an SD2, 6 pair Wetsounds XS650M and Wetsounds XS12 powered by SD6 all controlled by a WS420. 2 Lumitec SeaBlaze X2 Spectrum underwater lights

    SOLD***2008 Mobius LSV, Gravity III , Wake Plate, Z5, Exile SX65c's, Exile XM9s, Exile XI12D, Exile Javelin, Exile 30.2***SOLD

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Acworth, GA
    Posts
    1,223

    Default

    Buy a new iron or gun, or perhaps a mini torch
    Kraig - 2010 Outback V

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Tallahassee, FL
    Posts
    14,071

    Default

    Might just need a new tip for the gun.
    My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
    2008 LSV (sold)
    2000 Outback LS (sold)
    LLTR!!!!!!!!



  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Fair Play, SC
    Posts
    84

    Default

    Certainly, the issue could be the wattage or tip on the soldering iron. It could also be poor quality wire. Using Solder Flux or resin will help the solder to flow around the wire threads and stick easier - some solder has flux in the center but frequently it is not enough or is poor quality. Generally, it is a good idea to "tin" both ends before trying to attach 2 wires with solder - basically heat each wire end and get solder to flow and when both are done then put them together and solder. Actually, though, the conventional wisdom with boats is to not use solder - use crimp connections - they even make the crimp connectors (butt and male/female) with heat shrink ends to prevent water egress and some have a solder band where the solder melts when heat is applied (on these I suspect there is not enough heat for the solder to stick to the wire so I certainly wouldn't pay any extra for the solder band).
    Richard (LakePerson1952)
    2010 Moomba Outback - Loving it!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    NW Houston
    Posts
    102

    Default

    You can also try sanding/filing the tip of your iron to get rid of the oxidation that builds up and acts like an insulator.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Muskoka, Ontario
    Posts
    427

    Default

    Weller WES51

    I have used a bunch of soldering irons in the past and find this one to be the best, it also comes at a price point (esp. if you don't use it alot).

    If its too much $$ get a 45 watt iron it should be fine. Make sure you clean your tip and "tin" it after each use to keep it from getting coroded.

    Get the most wattage you can afford now. I find a higher wattage gun is safer as you spend less time heating the components. I have no issue soldering 12 gauge, I also don't have to tin the wire or anything, just apply heat, tap solder onto wire and wait for it to melt, than make sure it is sucked into the joint and not just floating on the surface.

    Done.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Cottage Grove, MN
    Posts
    780

    Default

    Here's what I use, it's the cat's pajamas...

    http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko936-1...FYHe4AodWBZDKQ
    2006 Outback V - Gone
    2008 LSV - Gone
    2013 other brand

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