I know how to solder quite well but no way I’m ignoring free advice from someone like Dr Z. Remedial soldering course complete! 🙂

30 years and I still learned a lot - Quest for knowledge - Always

Son of a gun, after all the pedals, preamps, and tube amps (2 only) that I've built, it never occurred to me to zero the pot so that the resistive element doesn't be introduced the heat from the lugs.  I imagine the wiper lug would be the most threatening.   Now I wonder if I caused any damage that was at the heart of any longevity or adjusting issues.   Such a worthy point. Thank you.

Super helpful. There was several points you made that I have either never heard or never thought of in that way. Thanks so much for all these videos.

Some very good pointers! "Just when you thought you knew everything about soldering..."

I can't get enough of DR. ZED as us wops (Italians) call you up here "we the north" Toronto Ontario Canada. 💙👌✌

Sounds simple but makes all of the diference in the end result. Thanks

Thanks for the great tips!! This channel has been great and I appreciate your willingness to share and explain your experience with your community!!

Great last "tip"...idle that solder tip! That's what I was instructed to do in the US NAVY Micro-Miniature repair school. I get several months out of a tip just by keeping it clean and tinned like that.

I learned the hard way when soldering pots. Always good to lightly sand or scuff the back of a pot to make soldering easier. The less heat and time spent on a pot is best.

Dr. Z, very generous of you to share this. Thank you.

Great tips from a legend! Thank you Dr. Z!

This is good stuff for anyone.  Beginner, novice, pro.

Thanks very much Dr Z.  Every single suggestion I will remember.  I feel a little sad when the turret board is complete, because it's the funnest part.

Fantastic video!
Started looking with a thought "let's see HOW he tells things I already know" - ended up really learning quite a lot. Thank you!

I got a lot out of this. One of the best on youtube

I always solder crimp-ons aswell. At least it prevents oxidation from occurring inside the crimped area. Love your vids Doc!

Thank you always for sharing your wisdom and experience.  I find your videos to be a great resource.  When my piggy bank gets healthy, maybe I can splurge for one of your Dr. Walsh, Z-Master Outfits!  Great Times Ahead.  Thanks Dr. Z

I thought to myself "do I really need to be taught how to solder after all these years?" Well ... yes. The pot soldering makes total sense ... but I didn't think of it until Dr Z told me. Thanks Mike.

Sorry if I have some more tips to share. I've had 20 years experience soldering, taught by the Air Force, and on the bench repairing aircraft avionics components.

Keeping a bead of solder on your iron tip will help it last much longer, keeps it tinned and oxide-free so that more solder will flow the next time it's used. Clean the tip before use using a copper/brass wool ball (they make these specifically for solder stations), then tin with solder.

Flux! Flux is your friend! It will help deoxidize the surface of the component, as well as act as a catalyst to allow the solder to melt at a lower temperature. One may think it is too messy or gets everywhere. Just clean everything with isopropyl alcohol afterwards.

Solder bridge. When first flowing solder to bond components, place your solder wire in between the iron tip and component, creating a bridge of freshly melted solder. This will reduce the dwell time heating the component that can lead to damage. Then, continue feeding more solder wire at the point of contact as needed to fill any voids.

Always use an ESD strap from wrist to ground, especially when handling sensitive component (i.e., transistors, op amps, IC chips, capacitors, tubes).

I hope these tips can be helpful, and are taken as me wanting to be helpful and supportive.  I love your videos and can't wait to watch more!