Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: jasperok on March 14, 2009, 08:26:35 pm

Title: soldering iron upgrade?
Post by: jasperok on March 14, 2009, 08:26:35 pm

time to upgrade my soldering iron to something with temperature control.
my budget is small , this seems to be the only option in my range - worried it is only 30w but maybe more efficient than my standard 30w stick i use.
is this up to all amp building tasks?
alo any suggestion on appropriate tip dimensions for ammp building
thanks
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aoyue-936-Soldering-Station-SMD-Reworkstation_W0QQitemZ270352779366QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM?hash=item270352779366&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Title: Re: soldering iron upgrade?
Post by: justinbelshe on March 15, 2009, 03:21:53 pm

I have no use for temp control, I just use a 40w iron.  I like a hot iron, especially for delicate stuff.  You can get in and do what you need to do and get out before the heat spreads to other components. 

I had a 40w Lenk before, but it started getting cooler and cooler.  I was bitching about it to a friend, and he pulled out a Weller 40w that he never uses and just gave it to me!  That's a buddy!

Title: Re: soldering iron upgrade?
Post by: DummyLoad on March 15, 2009, 04:10:54 pm

differing opinions... i wouldn't use anything but a temp controlled station. weller stuff is well made.

Title: Re: soldering iron upgrade?
Post by: RicharD on March 18, 2009, 12:12:22 am

I agree with ISO.  I love my Weller + it's smart enough to turn itself off when I forget and leave it on.  That right there alone is worth it. 

Title: Re: soldering iron upgrade?
Post by: jasperok on March 18, 2009, 02:38:20 pm

what size type tips do you reccomend?

Title: Re: soldering iron upgrade?
Post by: Schnauzer on March 19, 2009, 08:27:45 am

I'm a bench tech in my real job, I use 2 stations for almost all my work.
I'd recommend a Weller (I use a EC2002M) for most light duty work. I use the weller for alot of everyday stuff. Tips are pretty cheap and the station is ESD safe.
If you have the $$$ and are serious about your soldering you could spring for a Metcal/OKi station! I use one for micro circuit work under a scope.
I once demo'd the unit to a skeptic by soldering a penny to a 1/8 sheet of copper. (most units just can't supply the controlled power)
I agree with a previous poster, a small controller with a good set of tips will do just about anything you need.
Most soldering problems arise due to poor practices and technique. Learn to solder well and 1/2 your trouble goes up in smoke!