What's my major soldering malfunction?

[chi_boy]

Regarding the "back of the pot" issue, sometimes the right tool for the job is the big pistol grip 100 watt iron.  I have been successful sodering to pots with one.  I actually like to re-flow the solder on the wire connections at my in and out jacks with the same gun.  Sometimes the pen just isn't hot enough to get the solder to melt and bond.

Also, I read once that joints should be shiny and smooth when cool.  Dull lumpy joints indicate insufficient heat.  And I do mean "solder" joints, BTW.

Cheers,
George