[Elecraft] Source of poor solder joints?

[Stuart Rohre]

You should not be pushing the iron against the IC lead so hard it springs at 
all.

For ICs, usually you spring the leads open a bit more than factory out of 
package, and they hold themselves in the board.  You spread component leads 
to hold themselves into pads or hold the component with a finger tip of one 
hand while applying soldering iron with other.  Sometimes, I have to wrap a 
coil of solder on a finger, so I can use one hand to both hold the 
component, with one finger, and another finger applies the solder wire where 
it should go.  It takes some practice, but if you have had adequate sleep 
and steady hand, then it can be done.

When my hands are less steady, I use my magnifier stand with clips to hold 
the board in such a way that gravity might assist in steadying the component 
and its leads.  That may mean the board is vertical and you have to apply 
the solder and iron from one side.

But, bending the component leads, or taking advantage of the crimp in some 
leads may be all you need do.

Stuart
K5KVH