amyc22•2mo ago

A customer said my solder joints looked 'cold and grainy' on a vintage radio repair, and now I always check with a loupe before calling it done.

3 comments

3 Comments

That customer had a point though. A grainy joint can crack over time, especially with old parts that get hot and cool down a lot. It's worth the extra minute to be sure.

margaret_nelson2mo ago

Seems a bit over the top for a vintage radio. Most of those old joints weren't perfect to begin with, and it still works if it's electrically sound. A loupe is good practice, but maybe not a total deal-breaker.

river1821mo ago

Ever think we're being too picky about old stuff? That radio's already lasted 50 years with worse joints than a slightly grainy one. If it works, it works... chasing some idea of perfect might just mean more heat on parts that are already brittle. Margaret_nelson is right, it's not a deal-breaker. Sometimes good enough is actually better than poking at it forever.