[codefox1]

I make sure my iron is well tinned, and I cheat a little by melting a tiny amount of fresh rosin core solder on the tip just before touching whatever I want to create a joint. Of course you should ideally first create a clean and patent mechanical joint which would withstand not being soldered. I like a 40 watt pencil dimmered down a bit, but use the Weller Gun when I'm in a rush, or there is a whole lot of stuff to join. Got a Weller big boy somewhere, and that is just short of a propane torch once you get the tip tightened.

Nobody knows if the original production line people were paid, sometimes it seems like by the pound for solder. It's actually difficult to re-create those blobs with anything available today. higher temperature, different eutectic, anyone?

Speaking of which, please dispose of the waste you dig out of terminals, etc... responsibly especially if it's more than just a little. It's OK to keep it in a jar and turn it in as lead/tin whenever this is done where you live.