tools

bench basics

soldering iron (330–360 °C leaded, 360–380 °C lead-free), brass wool/sponge, 63/37 solder, flux pen
cutters, needle-nose pliers, tweezers, wire strippers, helping hands
DMM (continuity, voltage, current), optional logic probe/USB logic analyzer
heat-shrink, hot glue, electrical tape, zip ties

try this

practice drag-soldering on a scrap board; flux is 90% of the trick.

caution

keep tips tinned; never scrape on copper pads — use wick + flux.