Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. I finally got the clips soldered, after spending the day trying 3 different soldering irons (2 40W ones and one 15W/30W). The solder ended up flowing fine using the dual wattage iron on the 30W setting. The enclosed ends of the clips where the wires attach ended up getting completely filled with solder---I ended up applying the solder quite liberally to make sure I got a good weld. Which brings me to the next question---is it possible to have *too much* solder on a cartridge clip? I've since remounted the arm on the table and everything sounds as it should, so apparently my solder joints are competent, but still I wonder if the amount of solder has any effect on the sound (typical audiophile nervosa question)...in any case the whole ordeal was a major PITA and I have no plans on soldering again any time soon...wonder if I should've just gotten that Incognito rewire afterall...;) Will
Silver solder--what wattage soldering iron?
I need to solder some new Cardas cartridge clips onto my Rega RB600, and I'm having trouble using a Radio Shack 40W soldering iron with the silver solder that came with the clips. Doesn't seem like I'm getting enough heat, even after I cleaned the tip with sandpaper. Does this iron have enough wattage, and if not how much do I need? Thanks, Will Herrera