Quick Question - Soldering Iron?

[Esoterimix]

I'm looking for an okay soldering iron... Maybe this isn't the best place to post, but let me know... Thanks.

Okay, so I've been limping through a couple projects for lack of decent soldering iron, and namely a decent desoldering iron.

I really don't have a lot to spend, so general specs would probably be the best place to start.

What is a good temperature?
Is ceramic tip better for electronics?
Is it worth getting a station?
Are there any good desoldering pump/irons in one package?

I've heard the vacuums don't work the best and I'm working on a 5Fish SC1 at the moment - I'm stuck because I can't clear the the wholes they are small through holes that are plated. Not an easy task with a solder wick, trying to clear that tiny space and the pcb itself seems relatively thick compared to some. I would really appreciate any help I can get! Thanks...

 

[Pip]

I like these. Vacuum desoldering tools work fine if you have a vice to keep PCB steady.

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=52022.msg666624#msg666624

 

[Andy Peters]

I'm looking for an okay soldering iron... Maybe this isn't the best place to post, but let me know... Thanks.

Okay, so I've been limping through a couple projects for lack of decent soldering iron, and namely a decent desoldering iron.

I really don't have a lot to spend, so general specs would probably be the best place to start.

What is a good temperature?

I use 700 degree (F) tips with my Metcal SP200. Not a problem at all with lead-free solder, even on ground planes.

Is ceramic tip better for electronics?

No. I don't think you can even get a ceramic tip for electronics work. The standard tips I use are quite small.

Is it worth getting a station?

If by "station" you mean something with a handle/tip separate from the power supply, then YES ABSOLUTELY.

And you want something that actually controls the temperature AT THE TIP. A dial that sets the "temperature" isn't sufficient.

Are there any good desoldering pump/irons in one package?

I'm a Metcal/OKI fanboy but that kit is not cheap.

I've heard the vacuums don't work the best and I'm working on a 5Fish SC1 at the moment - I'm stuck because I can't clear the the wholes they are small through holes that are plated. Not an easy task with a solder wick, trying to clear that tiny space and the pcb itself seems relatively thick compared to some. I would really appreciate any help I can get! Thanks...

Your problems are likely that the tips are the wrong size, and are not maintaining temperature. One sign of a cheap tool is that the tip goes cold immediately when it touches the work. That makes soldering and desoldering impossible.

I never use a vacuum desoldering tool. OK, maybe for clearing holes I'll use the little hand mechanical vacuum pump thingie. But for desoldering it's either the hot-air tool or solder wick.

You should also be generous with flux. That makes removal (and installation) of parts and wires a lot easier. Remember to scrub the board afterward with a good electronics cleaner then rinse.

-a

 

[bdubya]

Got one of those blue and yellow Hakko ones when my weller pooped out.  I'm digging the Hakko, it feels nice to use.

 

[ln76d]

Ocasionally I was using few weller "pro types" but at home i have cheapest Weller WHS40.
I'm using it very often - something about 6years - 3 months ago i bought new soldering tip, but the old was pretty good too

 

[seavote]

Another thumbs up for a hakko solder station. I think mine was around $100 US . 8)

 

[druu]

I've used a cheap 20W Micron with a 0.8mm tip for years, $25 all up and works very well for me.

 

[Esoterimix]

wow... first off, great answers... I'm still troubleshooting the sc1 pre but I finally ot a slightly better iron and it became instantly apparent the one I was using sucked. it's amazing that I was able to mod as many mics as I did with the shitty one I was using, granted the new one ain't special by any means. I've learned so much from this forum, for which Im very grateful. I can now see why a variable temp iron is worth it, that'll be one of my next investments since I'm hooked on electronics now (or maybe just the solder fumes haha).