Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bruce Ferrero on August 18, 2014 at 10:23am

I put an eyelet in a hole on the base of the pickup and wrap the 42 ga wire through that several times then insert the 20ga lead wire into the hole and solder everything together in the brass eyelet.  I have not needed to sand the fine wire as the solder will melt the thin poly/enamel off and make good contact with the wire.

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Trade_Secrets/Build_your_own_custom_p...

Permalink Reply by thomas vibert on August 19, 2014 at 6:57am

thanks bruce ferrero that also helped me with the same concern.

where do you get the eyelets?

Permalink Reply by Bruce Ferrero on August 19, 2014 at 8:42am

I get my pickup parts from this guy on ebay:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bobbin-Eyelets-80-pieces-For-Single-bobbins...

and eyelets are free shipping

Permalink Reply by Skeesix on August 19, 2014 at 8:06am

You can get eyelets from Mouser Electronics. http://www.mouser.com/

If you're doing a direct connection between the lead wire and the magnet wire, it helps to secure the lead wire from moving. You can use tape to secure the wire to your work surface, leaving the end sticking up in the air or off the end of the table.

Lightly sand the magnet wire so you get good electrical contact. Use 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper. Tear off a little piece and fold it in half. Put the wire inside and lightly pull the sandpaper over the wire.

Wrap the magnet wire several times around the lead wire, so you get a good mechanical connection, then solder.

You could also use one of those third hand devices. http://www.harborfreight.com/helping-hands-319.html

Permalink Reply by mojoatomic on August 20, 2014 at 5:02am

Good advice from everyone - I'd also add use a good paste flux - my favorite is this, I've used Kester SP-44 since the early 80's. Their SP-44 rosin core lead solder is my all time favorite as well. 

Permalink Reply by Wade on August 20, 2014 at 5:09am

Thanks all! I'm soldering right to the lead wire and then grounding to a baseplate.
Guessing I would really heat up the baseplate before attempting to solder

Permalink Reply by Skeesix on August 20, 2014 at 11:43am

Yes, you'll need a hotter iron with a bigger tip to get it to stick to metal.

Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on August 20, 2014 at 5:36am

I use tiny brass screws as the termination poles... I just wrap the wire around at the start and finish of the coil and solder the lead wires into the little channel on the screw head. Seems to work fine!