[R-390] Soldering Litz wire

[ToddRoberts2001 at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/8/2011 1:09:45 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
k1lky at earthlink.net writes:

I've heard that heating litz wire with the  solder iron tip against an  
UNCOATED aspirin tablet will remove the  enamel on the strands as slick  
as you please.  (push back or  remove the insulation first, perhaps.)   
Cleaning with a bit of  baking soda then isopropyl alcohol would seem  
in order, then solder as  you like.

Often we find litz wire of 7 strands.  If one strand is  open, the  
effectiveness is reduced a bit, if two, it's reduced more,  if three,  
it's reduced a LOT.  (I can't find the measured numbers  I remember  
seeing.)

Roy



Over the years I have found that using a small amount of paint  remover
is the safest way to remove the enamel on fine strands of Litz  Wire
before soldering. 

I use a small paint brush and apply a small  drop of Kleen Strip to the
end of the wire to be soldered, let it set about  10-15 minutes, then wipe
the end clean with a piece of Kleenex wetted with  rubbing alcohol. This 
leaves
the fine strands of Litz Wire shiny and clean  and ready to solder.

I find using lower heat and a small amount of solder  is the least damaging
to the fine strands. Apply the heat and solder quickly.  For that reason I 
would not 
recommend trying to burn off the enamel before  soldering. Too much heat 
oxidises and damages 
the fine strands of copper  wire.

73 - Todd WD4NGG