Before you can start soldering, you need to get your iron ready. This involves a few steps. First, you’ll have to attach the tip to the soldering iron. Then, you’ll need to prepare the station: make sure your sponge is moistened, set the temperature, and “tin” the tip by applying some solder to it.
At the end of this chapter, your soldering iron will be assembled, clean, and hot enough to begin soldering.
Solder contains harmful chemicals. Wash your hands after soldering as well as after handling solder or the solder station sponge. Though it may be tempting to snack while you’re working, keep any food or drink away from your soldering area.
Locate the soldering iron (make sure it’s unplugged and cool), a soldering iron tip, and the tip nut that holds the tip in place. Insert the tip into the soldering iron as shown in Figure 1-1, and push it in as far as it will go. It will not require much force to insert it.
Warning
Make sure the soldering iron is unplugged and cool.
