AT 209 – Soldering Lab: Lap Joint E-Portfolio Post
Objective
The goal of this lab was to learn how to safely set up soldering equipment, prepare materials, and perform a lap joint to create a secure mechanical and electrical connection.
Step-by-Step Process for a Lap Joint
1. Gather Tools and Safety Equipment
Safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and long pants were required PPE. Soldering station (base + iron) Wire cutters and strippers Helping hands with alligator clips Resistors and practice wires Solder wick for removal practice 2. Prepare the Work Area
Placed the soldering station on the bench with the power off. Plugged the station into the outlet and set the soldering iron into its holder. Powered on the station and set the dial to 4 for optimal temperature. Damped the sponge with reverse osmosis (RO) water to clean the iron tip. Note: Tap water can leave mineral deposits and rust the tip. 3. Prepare the Wires
Cut the practice wires in half. Separated the strands and stripped ~¼ inch of insulation from each end using the correct gauge setting (24 gauge). Twisted the strands to prevent fraying. 4. Set Up the Helping Hands
Secured both wire ends in the clips so they overlapped for the lap joint. Ensured the wires had a tight, solid mechanical connection before soldering. 5. Tin the Wires
Heated each wire briefly with the soldering iron. Applied a small amount of solder directly to the wire so it coated evenly (this is called tinning). Purpose: Improves heat transfer and ensures a cleaner joint. 6. Solder the Lap Joint
Held the soldering iron so it touched both wires at the overlap point. Fed solder into the heated joint (not the iron tip). Allowed the solder to flow smoothly around the wires. The first attempt had too much solder, so I reheated and adjusted the amount for a cleaner joint. A good lap joint should have:
Even coverage with no gaps or cold joints Adequate overlap for mechanical strength 7. Finish and Clean Up
Powered off and unplugged the soldering station to let it cool. Cleaned the workbench with alcohol and returned all tools. Washed hands thoroughly before leaving the lab. Reflection & Self-Assessment
Learned the correct order of operations for setting up and soldering. Gained hands-on experience with both lap joints and PCB soldering. Practiced proper safety procedures with PPE and cleanup steps. First joint had too much solder—had to learn solder flow control. Understanding why solder joints should look like a “volcano” on PCBs. Always wear PPE and maintain a clean, safe workspace when soldering. Photos
Conclusion
This lab improved my confidence in soldering by providing a clear, repeatable process. By the end, I could replicate the lap joint and understood the key factors for creating strong electrical and mechanical connections.
