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ArcticMyst Security by Avery
What temp do you solder at?
- Thread starter CudaVert
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Benm
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IR guns don't work well on reflective stuff like metals generally, so i would not really trust them. The best way to measure the temperature would be to use a thermocouple, some multimeters have a input for one and make measurements easy.
What you could do with an IR thermometer is wicking up a small component like a ceramic capacitor on the tip of the iron using quite a bit of solder. The ceramic will heat up to the irons temperature (more or less) and you can get a reliable IR reading off of it. Toss the capacitor after
Well i just got done using the soldering station and am pleased with how it performed.
Like I said, Ive never used anything other than a radio shack iron, so I didnt have much to compare it to. But, it made my little solder job way easier than last time i tried soldering.
I set it at 350 C and it worked perfect.
Like I said, Ive never used anything other than a radio shack iron, so I didnt have much to compare it to. But, it made my little solder job way easier than last time i tried soldering.
I set it at 350 C and it worked perfect.
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Ad a shaky hand and this lead free garbage solder I use no wonder I don't stand a chance.
No nice solder station for me, I just have a few Harbor Freight units and cant find tips there either at least last time I was there.
What causes these pointed tips to quickly wear down and turn into a nub? Cheap solder, non regulated heat or just a cheap iron?
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Even cheap irons usually come with one extra tip. What do you mean wear down and turn into a nub? I have never seen this before. They can corrode over time and stop getting hot enough, be sure to tin the tip and wipe it on a sponge or with a damp cloth and keep it clean and the tips should last.
Alan
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I just use a small 15W fixed iron with flux core lead free solder 4% Ag , Cu 0.5% , Sn 95.5%
Ive always used paraffin wax pellets to clan the tip as I use it xD
Ive always used paraffin wax pellets to clan the tip as I use it xD
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Well that is a strange one, maybe the Chinese are using a new metal alloy that doesn't work well for a soldering iron.
Alan
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The tips are made of copper and iron plated (industry standard) and are thin plated with nickel and chromium to resist corrosion, I just read that the lead free solder doesn't help prevent corrosion and the tips will corrode faster if that's what you use, especially the stuff made in China. I suggest you change to 60/40 or 63/37.
Alan
Alan
Sounds good as believe me like I said they don't get much use and I even don't leave them plugged long as i'm working. I'm curious to see if I can file them to a point again and see if they get hot enough if I do.:beer:
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Since this thread has grown from just solder temps. to soldering in general, I thought I'd share a link to a thread from a while ago that contained a lot of good info. regarding all things solder.
soldering iron -wanted-
For a great solder, look to post #72, Jmillerdoc mentions some that he really liked, and he even sent samples of it to members for free.
It's called "Cardas Quad-Eutectic", and in my limited experience, it's definitely the best I've used, especially when combined with Flaminpyro's excellent flux.
soldering iron -wanted-
For a great solder, look to post #72, Jmillerdoc mentions some that he really liked, and he even sent samples of it to members for free.
It's called "Cardas Quad-Eutectic", and in my limited experience, it's definitely the best I've used, especially when combined with Flaminpyro's excellent flux.
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I got some of that solder from Jmillerdoc. It was in the laser package that ha started and circulated around to vets a couple of years ago, It is good solder. I think it had some silver in it.
The best post was #77 Bowtie
All this time I forgot Pman sent me some solder in one of his usual box of goodies
Pete if you see this what kind is it?
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hi
63/37 solder is the best for this hobby, it flows to a liquid instantly and does not solidify fast that would cause it to cold solder or emulsify ..Kester 63/37 in a 1 lb.roll is worth it in a great build. Better to leave the 60/40 solder to all your plumbing need for it flows at a higher temp with propane or an acetylene torch . i use 60/40 leaded solder in work for the last 30 years it does not compare to 63/37 at all for what we use it for
Rich
63/37 solder is the best for this hobby, it flows to a liquid instantly and does not solidify fast that would cause it to cold solder or emulsify ..Kester 63/37 in a 1 lb.roll is worth it in a great build. Better to leave the 60/40 solder to all your plumbing need for it flows at a higher temp with propane or an acetylene torch . i use 60/40 leaded solder in work for the last 30 years it does not compare to 63/37 at all for what we use it for
Rich
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