Soldering Iron wanted!

[Tmack]

Yeah I did notice while tinning the tip the set screw did give a bit after heating and cooling. This thread was very helpful to me as well. I'm also new to soldering small electronics. I worked as a plumber for a few years a while back, so I can solder copper pipes but never had much need to solder electronic . As soon as I saw a comment about tinning the tip, I immediately got up and plugged in the iron to do it. Thanks very much guys. This one was very useful.

 

[KRNAZNBOY]

And as for more tips? Where can i got those.

The order has gone through, but i am wondering if 35 watts is good enough for our work. Also, what is a good temperature to solder at?

These are last questions i promise!

PS: Just read that most shops use 650 degrees to - 750 F

sounds good...

 

[The Lightning Stalker]

35 watts is more than enough.

The right temperature depends on the size and material of what you're trying to solder. Remember you're aiming for a maximum heat time of 5 seconds, or like 2 seconds on a laser diode. For the smallest stuff 600°F is the best. If you're really worried about overheating it, you can go down to like 590°F with real lead solder, but it has to be something small. That is the absolute bottom. And remember this is actual tip temperature. The set temperature on your soldering station will be a little above the actual tip temperature. Some digital soldering stations automatically compensate for this. The better ones will allow you to adjust it. The exact overage depends on the tip you're using. The larger the tip, the colder the tip will actually be from your set temperature.

 

[Bionic-Badger]

And as for more tips? Where can i got those

That's what I meant: you can get those on Amazon (or eBay, but they're more expensive).

Look at the various tips that are available to choose one you want, then search for that model on Amazon.com or eBay to buy it. I think I bought the 2.4mm or 3.2mm chisel variety; I can't remember exactly. The bevel types can be nice too, as they have a flat side for heating up larger areas, as well as a pointier tip on the end. You'll have to see what you like, and they're not too expensive to get multiple types.

 

[djQUAN]

I also recommend the K series tips from Hakko. The side is useful for removing SMD parts and you can also use to draw away excess solder. The pointed end is useful for small solder jobs.

 

[Pman]

Well the D version has 5 temps you can program in to change them quickly. Really no need to "upgrade". I would have liked a knob better for adjusting the temp and then lock it in. Will say that this units tips cost a bit more. May have to do with it being 65W.
Lots of great advice here.

 

[KRNAZNBOY]

That's what I meant: you can get those on Amazon (or eBay, but they're more expensive).

Look at the various tips that are available to choose one you want, then search for that model on Amazon.com or eBay to buy it. I think I bought the 2.4mm or 3.2mm chisel variety; I can't remember exactly. The bevel types can be nice too, as they have a flat side for heating up larger areas, as well as a pointier tip on the end. You'll have to see what you like, and they're not too expensive to get multiple types.

Ah, got it. Thanks!

Im assuming the hakko vs aoyue tips are interchangeable...

 

[djQUAN]

I believe the Aoyue are clones of Hakko but I may be wrong so don't quote me on that.

 

[KRNAZNBOY]

i think so...

 

[KRNAZNBOY]

I have been looking at the aoyue 936 and the aoyue 937+. Is the aoyue 937+ worth the extra $15?

 

[The Lightning Stalker]

I'd say it is. It has the nice LCD display and shows the temperature in real time.

 

[Zeebit]

I thought I'd bump this rather than making a new thread.

I'm getting tired of using my cheapo 30W iron. It can't keep up with big joints and I get terrible results. My 40W gets insanely hot that the moment I put some solder on the tip, the flux just get burnt and charred immediately.

I'm thinking of getting a Hakko FX-600. I like it because it's an all in one unit and it's about half as pricey as the FX-888 on ebay and it's also temperature controlled.

What do guys think? Looks like a good iron to me.

http://hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx600_feature.html#productNav

 

[djQUAN]

I think you can't go wrong with Hakko (I have two stations myself). For basic/semi precision jobs, it should work well.

A solder station will have a smaller and lighter handpiece which is much easier to maneuver around for precision work.

Here's a comparison of my irons. From top to bottom: 6inch ruler, Standard iron with temp control in handle (60W), Hakko FX888 handpiece (65W), Hakko FX951 handpiece (70W).

 

[ARG]

I got a fx88D as a second soldering iron recently (So I wouldn't have to change between my smd and through hole tips) and I love the FX888D. Well worth it IMO.


Sent from my mobile. Sorry if there are any spelling errors.

 

[Zeebit]

It should suit my needs. I rarely do precision smd work anyway.

 

[djQUAN]

It should suit my needs. I rarely do precision smd work for now.

Fixed it for you.

A station is a one time investment. You'll thank yourself later when you get one. Even the '888 is a good one. Been using mine for a few years (until a deal with a 951 that was too good to pass up, still using it as my secondary iron) and thermal regulation is pretty good even when soldering very big terminal blocks on car amps.