Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I dug through some old boxes and pulled out a vintage circuit board from the late 1960s or early 1970s to salvage a couple of potentiometers. What we find is a perfect example of how they really don’t solder them like they used to! Using desoldering braid (solder wick) nearly 11½ inches long just to desolder 3 joints. It's classic PCB construction, old electrolytic capacitors without modern pressure-relief cross-hatches, and the realities of removing parts from vintage electronics. If you enjoy DIY electronics, retro tech, repair work, salvaging components, crystal radio building, soldering techniques, and practical workshop observations, this short teardown highlights how manufacturing methods, PCB design, and assembly practices have evolved over the decades—and why desoldering old boards can sometimes feel like a battle with a mountain of solder.
RELATED SOLDERING VIDEOS (Including this one):
Soldering - Through Hole Tips & Tricks youtu.be/nWsnpCjymAE
Soldering Iron Tip Replacement youtu.be/-wGgjJIqS-Q
Soldering Basics-Popular Connections Done Right! youtu.be/udNu-wZaqJE
Soldering Wires - Doing It Wrong, But Getting It Right (What is CRITICAL?) youtu.be/Ej284nrwX84
Soldering Without A Soldering Iron youtu.be/b5iiUMAOGew
Soldering Myth Busted: Solder From Below youtu.be/gFGvNrYpsGc
Common Soldering Mistakes youtu.be/mv1t-aoSDOg
DIY Third Hand For Soldering, Gluing, Hobby Work, etc. youtu.be/2Qa8Wkc8dKM
Soldering How To-Electronics, Car Wiring, Boats, Solar, ... youtu.be/gPpisFM6AIg
Beautiful Soldering With Common Tools youtu.be/uTCvuPnsYQk
Disclaimer: This information is presented as entertainment only on an "as is" basis and any use the viewer makes of it is solely up to them, and it is their responsibility to determine if the information remains current and if it is applicable to their situation. The viewer is responsible for any and all safety involving this. Viewing this video is the viewer's agreement to these terms and conditions. If you do not agree, stop now.
WARNINGS:
- Soldering can be dangerous. If you do not know soldering safety, learn it or don't solder.
- Never solder live circuits of any type.
- Soldering house wiring, power wiring, etc. is outside the scope of this video. That should be left to professionals only.
- These are demonstrated for hobby work, low voltage - low amperage applications. NOT for mains voltages or currents or similar.
- Never use lead type solders where it will come in contact with food or drink or where it will come in regular contact with people.
- Lead is toxic. Take care to ensure that the byproducts / waste are contained and disposed of properly. Never hold solder in your mouth. Have proper ventilation.
- This is for hobby soldering only. Industrial users have more stringent requirements for industrial or large scale soldering operations.
- This is not all inclusive. If you don't know, get training before continuing.
#ElectronicsRepair #Desoldering #VintageElectronics #DIYElectronics
I dug through some old boxes and pulled out a vintage circuit board from the late 1960s or early 1970s to salvage a couple of potentiometers. What we find is a perfect example of how they really don’t solder them like they used to! Using desoldering braid (solder wick) nearly 11½ inches long just to desolder 3 joints. It's classic PCB construction, old electrolytic capacitors without modern pressure-relief cross-hatches, and the realities of removing parts from vintage electronics. If you enjoy DIY electronics, retro tech, repair work, salvaging components, crystal radio building, soldering techniques, and practical workshop observations, this short teardown highlights how manufacturing methods, PCB design, and assembly practices have evolved over the decades—and why desoldering old boards can sometimes feel like a battle with a mountain of solder.
RELATED SOLDERING VIDEOS (Including this one):
Soldering - Through Hole Tips & Tricks youtu.be/nWsnpCjymAE
Soldering Iron Tip Replacement youtu.be/-wGgjJIqS-Q
Soldering Basics-Popular Connections Done Right! youtu.be/udNu-wZaqJE
Soldering Wires - Doing It Wrong, But Getting It Right (What is CRITICAL?) youtu.be/Ej284nrwX84
Soldering Without A Soldering Iron youtu.be/b5iiUMAOGew
Soldering Myth Busted: Solder From Below youtu.be/gFGvNrYpsGc
Common Soldering Mistakes youtu.be/mv1t-aoSDOg
DIY Third Hand For Soldering, Gluing, Hobby Work, etc. youtu.be/2Qa8Wkc8dKM
Soldering How To-Electronics, Car Wiring, Boats, Solar, ... youtu.be/gPpisFM6AIg
Beautiful Soldering With Common Tools youtu.be/uTCvuPnsYQk
Disclaimer: This information is presented as entertainment only on an "as is" basis and any use the viewer makes of it is solely up to them, and it is their responsibility to determine if the information remains current and if it is applicable to their situation. The viewer is responsible for any and all safety involving this. Viewing this video is the viewer's agreement to these terms and conditions. If you do not agree, stop now.
WARNINGS:
- Soldering can be dangerous. If you do not know soldering safety, learn it or don't solder.
- Never solder live circuits of any type.
- Soldering house wiring, power wiring, etc. is outside the scope of this video. That should be left to professionals only.
- These are demonstrated for hobby work, low voltage - low amperage applications. NOT for mains voltages or currents or similar.
- Never use lead type solders where it will come in contact with food or drink or where it will come in regular contact with people.
- Lead is toxic. Take care to ensure that the byproducts / waste are contained and disposed of properly. Never hold solder in your mouth. Have proper ventilation.
- This is for hobby soldering only. Industrial users have more stringent requirements for industrial or large scale soldering operations.
- This is not all inclusive. If you don't know, get training before continuing.
#ElectronicsRepair #Desoldering #VintageElectronics #DIYElectronics
