Electronic supply houses are getting fewer and farther apart these days.
Yes, Lloyd, the chemical process of soldering is the same between plumbing and electronic. But the processes are different. Mainly because of size. I've seen(but never used) a soldering iron large enough, and specifically made for plumbing, but we don't do it that way any more. The sad part is that we don't even use copper plumbing any more. (side note- I hate PVC plumbing) Working in a truck shop, I've replaced the battery ends on 4 & 6 ga wire. You use plumbing methods, but focus the flame on the lug, to minimize the damage to the insulation, and allow the solder to heat the wire. Working in a radio shop is where I learned that using the solder to heat the trace and component is the quickest method, and minimizes the affect of the heat on the surrounding area. Especially with today's surface mount components. A cold joint happens when you take the heat away too soon, or the joint moves between the time you take the heat away, and when the solder solidifies. If you look carefully, you see when the joint is hot enough and the solder flows in to the joint, and you can also see when the joint moves, and the solder is no longer glossy(a cold joint has just occurred).
The bottom line is that we all have our own methods. One of my favorite lines is "opinions are like a$$e$. They all stink except your own". Or, I can liken this to religion or politics. Two thing happen in these discussions; you're either preaching to the choir, or beating your head against a brick wall. Sorta like an oil thread.
