Build Your Own Clone Message Board

Just wondering is a heat sink can be used for amp building. I have not built the amp yet but I was watching this Youtube soldering instruction and a heat sink was used. Watch the video and at the 4:30 minute mark, you will see the heat sink being applied.

Just wondering what your thoughts are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMqKXXRPey4

I've used them on transistor leads when i was afraid of burning stuff. now i just socket as many do on here. when in doubt you can use one, never hurts to be safe. if the component is over 15 cents, clip that sucker on.



they're good for protecting you fingers too, and making passing easier

Unless you are a total soldering noob and are applying heat for long periods of time, or are soldering parts that are very sensitive to heat, this really isn't necessary. About the only thing I've ever used a heat sink on has been germanium diodes in pedals, which are quite thermally sensitive. The components you'll be soldering in an amp build are primarily resistors and capacitors, which are quite durable. The one soldering "tip" (no pun intended) that I would give you is to make sure that you have enough wattage (30 - 40W) in your iron and use a big enough tip that you can transfer heat quickly into the turrets on the board. This is critical to being able to melt the solder quickly and make your joints without applying heat for too long a time--that's what tends to damage components. I've built two amps recently (the Champlifier and an 18W clone from another kit seller) and found that a 3.2mm (1/8") chisel tip worked very well for amp component soldering. For solder, I'd recommend 0.06" diam. rosin-core 60/40 solder for amp work. The 0.03" diam. stuff that's great for pedals just doesn't provide material quickly enough for the larger solder joints you'll be making in an amp.

Thanks brotha.

The components on a turret board but it was not a Champ style amp I believe.