Removing old solder?

I'd use a soldering gun (for faster heating) and a pump.
Or I'd just replace the pots since stock Fender are far from great.

 

Given the age of the pots, I'd be hesitant to screw with 'em. If you must, use a higher wattage iron (probably 35 watts at most though- thats the highest I've ever needed) and get a solder wick (looks like a copper ribbon). Put the end of the wick between the soldering iron and the solder, so when it heats up to temperature the solder will immediately be wicked up- naturally, remove the iron as soon as possible. This is probably the fastest way as it doesn't require any extra steps (I much prefer it to a pump). I'm not sure what it is about old solder joints, but they are almost always harder to undo!

Karl

 

A decent soldering iron, and a roll of solder wick (pictured) will make cleaning up your old pots a quick and easy job.

Here's a tip: Trying to melt the old solder with a dry iron will make it much more difficult to melt the solder, and increase the risk of overheating and damaging your pots.

Use some fresh solder to form a "bridge" between your iron, the solder wick, and the old solder. It will speed up the transferance of heat, and allow the wick to draw out the old solder much quicker.



Vacuum desoldering pumps work fine when used properly, but in most instances I prefer wick.

 

Size = "GOOD". Hmm, OK, then this must be the right size!

 

ROFL

....I didn't notice that

.....just bit the image from Google image search

 

+1000000000000

i never do any soldering without havint this stuff handy.

 

i much prefer 300 watts to 30 watts, so much quicker

 

+100 on solder-wick. Excellent stuff.

 

This stuff really does work. The other idea of 'tinning' your iron's tip prior to heating the old solder on the pot will indeed speed up the transferance of heat. An additional idea: a decent "solder sucker" a spring-loaded, plastic tool that you "cock" is my first choice .. Liquidfy the solder, aim the tip, then push the button on the solder sucker.. no more solder

I recently had to remove two input jacks from the PC board from one of my best Peavey's. GOBS of solder held the multiple pins of the jacks to the board. All that solder had to go prior to removing the input jacks. The solder sucker did the trick.

 

Size = Good

Leave the solder on there! It's where the old tone comes from.
Just kidding about the tone...but if it's being stubborn I'd rather leave it on than damage the original pot. Why fix it if it ain't broke?

 

Aw man! A fantastic idea I can't wait to try. Thanks!

I'm having the same problem as the original post. A mess I created thru lack of knowledge. Hopefully I can save it (it's an oldie too). A shame if I screwed it up already.