KOT: Why won't solder stick to my Alpha pots?

[PurpleStrat]

I am trying to rewire a cheap Tele with new electronics and the solder will not stick to the full sized Alpha pts very well. I sanded them down a bit since they had a slick surface but the joints are still suspect. Should I turn the heat up higher on my iron? I don't want to damage the pots.

[plankspank]

spread a  a little rosin solder flux paste on the pot case before soldering. You can usually find it at a hardware store in the plumbing section, or Radio shack probably has it.

[PurpleStrat]

Getting some flux is on to do list for the weekend, I was not sure if that would help with this though. Thanks!

[BaLaClavaAa]

I wouldn't worry too much about damaging pots. Try sanding down some more.

[tranceracer]

If the solder doesn't stick with the rosin flux then it could be a heat issue.  You may want to try a hotter iron. 

- Tin the wire by applying solder to it first then put a dab of solder on your iron (more solder if the wire is thick). 
- Touch the wire to the pot and then the iron with the molten solder to the wire and pot. 
- If the iron is hot enough the solder should just blend with the wire and the pot.  Remove the iron right away and I usually blow on it or dab a wet paper towel to cool it down quickly.
- If it the solder still beads off then the iron is probably  still not hot enough. 

I use a 40W iron but when I solder large lugs and directly to metal surface areas I use a torch but a 50-60W iron should be enough.

NOTE: I personally don't recommend that everyone go out and buy a Weller or Master torch it's way over kill and expensive.  I just happen to have one from my car stereo installation days when I had to solder battery lugs and large gauge wire terminals for power amps.

[PurpleStrat]

My iron goes to 60 but I never go that high. What you explained is what happens the solder just beads. I need flux anyway so I will get that and just notch up the heat little by little till it blends.

Thanks fellas!

[ambulancevoice]

yeah, you need a higher wattage iron

[darron]

needs more heat. i have a pretty cheap iron, but i'm happy with it. it doesn't do pots very well either. i have to leave the iron to heat up the pot for probably 30 secs! but it gets there in the end if you want to preserver. it can take a while to get the pot to reach the temperature of the iron.

[earthtonesaudio]

Star ground instead.   

Or if you must put solder on the pot, get a big chisel tip for your iron (or grind your existing tip flat on one side).  To transfer heat effectively, you need lots of surface area contact.  And a big blob of melted solder on the tip of the iron while you hold it on the pot, also for heat transfer.

[demonstar]

yeah, you need a higher wattage iron

I agree with this too. I was trying to solder a small wire to a large plate to use as a theremin antennae but it wasn't happening. The huge plate just gradually got hotter until I couldn't keep hold of it at the edges but it still wasn't soldering. I got it hot enough in the end but not too easy! I was using an Antex XS25 (25W)  and thats the only problem I have ever had. Every other time it has been a little gem!

What power rating is your iron purplestrat? If you do invest in a new one I'd recommend 25W as being adequate if it's anything like mine. Plus mine with stand etc was only £20 (I'm pretty sure).