How I solder 6-8mm bullets: simple jig

[m4a1usr]

Good idea John. But I'll try aluminum foil instead. My electrical & silversolder sticks to brass.

The OD of the "normal" 8mm bullets at the solder end measure .277". The HK bullets measure .333" - 334". FYI, the OD of the female bullets are .354" for "normal" and .408" for HK respectfully. HK wins.

THX, JIM

Having the solder stick to the 11/32 brass tubing is part of the concept. Its just a barrier so the molten solder doesnt run out the holes. The OD of the wire end of the HK 8mm plugs is .333. The ID of the 11/32 tubing is .343 and it ends up being soldered to the bullet pemanently. Hope that makes sense.

What most people dont know about soldering is you want all the solder being used to go liquid. All at once. Not just one side. Otherwise its easy to get cold solder joints and no one wants that.

John

[jcald2000]

I just wrap a .250 wide .040 strip of alum. around the area with the holes leaving a 6" handle. Leave a gap in the wraping so you can lift up after your finished and the wire will fit through the gap and still cover the holes.
The brass tube is a good idea also.

[JIM MARCUM]

Having the solder stick to the 11/32 brass tubing is part of the concept. Its just a barrier so the molten solder doesnt run out the holes. The OD of the wire end of the HK 8mm plugs is .333. The ID of the 11/32 tubing is .343 and it ends up being soldered to the bullet pemanently. Hope that makes sense.

What most people dont know about soldering is you want all the solder being used to go liquid. All at once. Not just one side. Otherwise its easy to get cold solder joints and no one wants that.

John

OH, I finally get it Too bad, I just wired about 35 LIPOs "my way". Your way sounds better than mine.

You're also correct on 100% liquid soldering. Once the soldered wire & bullet have "bonded" I run my mini toarch 360 around the bullet to make sure I get it 100% soldered. EZ to do with the jig. JIM

[Prop-a-Gator]

Jim, what type of "mini torch" do you use? Something like this? Smaller or larger? I have one of these and ended up frying some of the wire insulation when I tried to solder 8mm bullets. Sorry if you didn't mean for this to turn into Soldering 101. I also made a mess with the solder running out of the holes as described earlier, so the tips are greatly appreciated!
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[JIM MARCUM]

Jim, what type of "mini torch" do you use? Something like this? Smaller or larger? I have one of these and ended up frying some of the wire insulation when I tried to solder 8mm bullets. Sorry if you didn't mean for this to turn into Soldering 101. I also made a mess with the solder running out of the holes as described earlier, so the tips are greatly appreciated!
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I use a similar one that they sell at Harbor Freight. It's a shame the lightbulb came on after all that soldering. I'll use the 11/32" brass tubing method next time. So simple & will save me a bucket full of time. JIM

[detox]

Connectors will heat up a little quicker using wood block. I use a cheap piece of scrap lumber with holes drilled in it to hold my connectors. For male ends i drill a hole for snug fit so solder will not creep into slots.

[JIM MARCUM]

Connectors will heat up a little quicker using wood block. I use a cheap piece of scrap lumber with holes drilled in it to hold my connectors. For male ends i drill a hole for snug fit so solder will not creep into slots.

True, wood will work. Outside.

An aluminum jig may take a little longer to heat up the bullets, but it also cools down fast after you're finished soldering. That's a real good thing for your fingers. JIM

[madmorgan]

i use wood also with a simple soldering iron as the wood doesnt dissapate the heat like aluminum will.

[Old Sloppy]

I too use a scrap of 2" * 4" wood (Indoors), but I use a 80 watt pencil, not a flame....

Harry