Otis, my man, soldering can be lots of fun and sometimes, very frustrating for a beginner. There are a few rules about soldering that you should practice on before doing real world soldering. As in welding, the proper amount of heat must first be a consideration. A great big Weller gun on delicate connections won't work and a small pencil soldering iron on a large lug may not be hot enough.
One friend you might need is a surgeons clamp. You use this to prevent delicate components from receiving heat transfer while soldering that component to a board or lug. Alway apply heat to the joint first, then allow the solder to wick into the joint (or eyelet). I like the smaller diameter solder, like 1/32. I gives you more control over the amount used. I also recommend a solid mechanical joint made with the wire (like on a lug) before applying solder.
Strip wire enough to keep the plastic from melting, thus contaminating the joint, but don't strip it too far so that it becomes a hazard to shorts and such. Always use a nice rosin core solder and 40 tin, 60 lead is a good general purpose solder for those applications.
Never move a freshly soldered joint until it solidifies, or you will get a "cold" soldering joint, which will inhibit proper signal transfer.
Here are some other things:
1. You will burn your fingers.
2. You will inhale fumes.
3. You will get cold solder joints.
4. You should solder in a place that solder can drip on like nice carpet or a new vinyl floor.
5. Don't try to solder to aluminum, it just don't work.
6. Always remember to unplug your soldering iron when done (I have a light in my power strip to let me know that it is on.
And last, but not least, (I speak from experience) Never solder on anything that is plugged in and/or on. Bad things will happen.
Wayner
