Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: GuitarPilot65 on June 18, 2008, 01:13:23 pm

Title: Soldering gun or iron?
Post by: GuitarPilot65 on June 18, 2008, 01:13:23 pm

I have a Weller soldering gun which I use for all of my soldering work around the house, including recent mods to my DRRI:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=372-030

I replaced the tip with a "heavier-duty" Weller model, since tips specific to my model were unavailable at the store where I went.  Some recent work on small gauge headphone extension cables appears to have "cold' solder joints (e.g., wire coming loose from plug lugs after some jostling).

Is this a factor of too much heat due to the different tips?
Should I invest in a constant-temp iron for my upcoming amp kit project rather than use my gun, or will it be ok to use if I get the proper replacement tips?

Thanks for reading.

Title: Re: Soldering gun or iron?
Post by: Fresh_Start on June 18, 2008, 02:02:27 pm

Please look at the sticky at the top of this forum for answers to many questions, including soldering info.

Short answer:  75 watts is way too much for amp work.  Weller makes a nice 5-40 watt station:  http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=372-120

Chip

Title: Re: Soldering gun or iron?
Post by: GuitarPilot65 on June 18, 2008, 02:44:59 pm

I beg your pardon; could you please be more specific as to how to navigate to the soldering info you cite above?

Thanks for the recommendation and link to an alternate soldering device.   :)

Title: Re: Soldering gun or iron?
Post by: Fresh_Start on June 20, 2008, 12:13:53 am

Here's the sticky:  http://www.el34world.com/Forum/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1206454819 The soldering info is in the second post toward the bottom.

HTH

Chip

Title: Re: Soldering gun or iron?
Post by: GuitarPilot65 on June 20, 2008, 01:33:56 pm

Ah, it's at the top of "Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs" topic, not this Amp Tools topic.
Thanks again.