Solder: Wattage

[lupin]

What's a good power rating for a solder for electronic use like car stereo cables?

 

[Viperoni]

YOu would need at least 50 watts for a 8 guage, and probably 100 watts for a 4 guage.
Regular (18-12 guage) stuff will only need about 35 watts.

 

[Harvey]

If you can afford it, get an iron with settable temperatures and a good selection of interchangable tips. I usually work on circuit boards, using a fine point and a temp of arojnd 750 - 800 degrees. When I get around to working on big stuff, like the innards of tube guitar amps, I have my trusty Weller D-550 (240 - 350 watts), which could possibly solder a tire iron to the bumper of a '59 Buick.

 

[Nick Stone]

Here are the keys.
1. Get a good flux to "tin" the cables. Good solder with a flux core can be substituted, But if it just isn't working, then buy the flux.
2. Use a "heatsink" to suck the heat away from any electronic component that could be damaged. Picture a heavy alligator clip or clamp on a bare wire to picture what I mean.
3. Use a Gun, but work fast. Lots of heat applied quickly is less likely too damage components than a poor soldering system that just isn't getting the job done.