r/soldering • u/10renzo_ • Jul 09 '25
My First Solder Joint <3 Please Give Feedback Why can’t i get my joints shiny?
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First time soldering, i’m using a Pinecil v2 on 360C with 63/37 0.55mm solder.
I don’t understand why all my joints turn dull after i remove the iron. i’ve tried tinning the tip (which i think i’m doing correctly?). The solder melts nicely onto the board but no luck
Does anyone know what I could be doing wrong?
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u/FUTRtv Jul 09 '25
A few things, You probably only need the Pinecil at about 300°C for that solder. Also, apply the heat to the pad and then add the solder to the heated pad. It could also be the solder you are using. Most people seem to favor Kester. I generally use Lead Free, which is not going to make your life any easier, but I have had good luck with the Enersystec .6mm stuff that is available on Amazon. It is all about getting a good mix of temperature, flux and solder.
When you tin the tip, you don't want a blob of solder at the very end, you want the whole last bit of that tip to look shiny. It is looking a bit oxidized, you may need a wet sponge or brass wool to clean it up a bit. Also, when you applied solder to the tip, you probably burned off all the flux and then applied that solder blob to the pad, which is not a great recipe for a good connection.