I now have my Philco operating reasonably well after fixing the oscillator coil. Any techniques specific to soldering such fine wires to terminals in very tight spots? I take it a cooler setting on the iron might help?

Brian,
The first step is to remove the enamel from the wire, and I generally use fine sandpaper (400 - 800) or steel wool (0000). Stay away from using a knife or other sharp tool as you can nick or cut the wire, leading to a break later on.

There are some chems on the market for removing the coating, but I have not used them at home or for some time, like ten years ago. The chems fo work well, but you are faced with the problem of deposing of the used solution.

David S

:I now have my Philco operating reasonably well after fixing the oscillator coil. Any techniques specific to soldering such fine wires to terminals in very tight spots? I take it a cooler setting on the iron might help?

Brian,

I should have also added you can try some paint remover solution from the home inprovement or hardware store. It should soften the enamel to make for easyer removal.

David S

:Brian,
:The first step is to remove the enamel from the wire, and I generally use fine sandpaper (400 - 800) or steel wool (0000). Stay away from using a knife or other sharp tool as you can nick or cut the wire, leading to a break later on.
:
:There are some chems on the market for removing the coating, but I have not used them at home or for some time, like ten years ago. The chems fo work well, but you are faced with the problem of deposing of the used solution.
:
:David S
:
::I now have my Philco operating reasonably well after fixing the oscillator coil. Any techniques specific to soldering such fine wires to terminals in very tight spots? I take it a cooler setting on the iron might help?

Acetone will remove the enamel instantly. Try not to get acetone on the rest of the coil. Also, you can hold the tip of a hot soldering iron to the area you want to solder to. Wait a moment, and the enamel will burn off. Rub off any charred remains with your fingers.

T.

:Acetone will remove the enamel instantly. Try not to get acetone on the rest of the coil. Also, you can hold the tip of a hot soldering iron to the area you want to solder to. Wait a moment, and the enamel will burn off. Rub off any charred remains with your fingers.
:
:T.

Yes that's what I do too... I put the enamel wire end into a puddle of solder on the hot iron tip.... burns off.

Hi

A lot depends on the type of enamel wire. Some burn off with a soldering iron but not all.

Sanding works for all types of enamel wire along with a knife. Someone mentioned not using a knife but it works as long as wire isn't nicked.

Norm

::Acetone will remove the enamel instantly. Try not to get acetone on the rest of the coil. Also, you can hold the tip of a hot soldering iron to the area you want to solder to. Wait a moment, and the enamel will burn off. Rub off any charred remains with your fingers.
::
::T.
:
:Yes that's what I do too... I put the enamel wire end into a puddle of solder on the hot iron tip.... burns off.

I use an X-acto knive to scrape off the coating. If you tilt the top edge of the knife toward the direction of movement, then the blade just scrapes without nicking the wire.
Doug

:Hi
:
: A lot depends on the type of enamel wire. Some burn off with a soldering iron but not all.
:
: Sanding works for all types of enamel wire along with a knife. Someone mentioned not using a knife but it works as long as wire isn't nicked.
:
:Norm
:
:::Acetone will remove the enamel instantly. Try not to get acetone on the rest of the coil. Also, you can hold the tip of a hot soldering iron to the area you want to solder to. Wait a moment, and the enamel will burn off. Rub off any charred remains with your fingers.
:::
:::T.
::
::Yes that's what I do too... I put the enamel wire end into a puddle of solder on the hot iron tip.... burns off.