Soldering Iron Temp.

[caps]

Just got a variable temp iron. Goes up to 300d I think. Id like to know what temp. you guys would recommend for general PCB work. thanx.

 

[owel]

The minimum temp your solder will melt and flow completely.

 

[caps]

Well yes, thats a fair point. But I was looking for a approx temp to start with as I have only ever used set temp. irons before. :0)

 

[mcs]

My soldering iron has a scale that goes from 250° to 450°C. I normally keep it at 350°C.

Best regards,

Mikkel C. Simonsen

 

[caps]

thanx.

 

[Steve Jones]

But don't go too cool either, as then you have to keep the iron on the joint for too long waiting for everything to flow, and hence heat buildup occurs in the component as well. It is a tradeoff between time and temperature.

 

[nwsoundman]

I have a 600 degree tip in my Metcal 90% of the time. For soldering to large ground planes I will sometimes use a 700 degree tip. I use the 600 degree tips for everything from pepper grain size SMT components to your normal through hole stuff. For me anything lower than 500 degrees is too cool.

NWSM

 

[NewYorkDave]

I generally leave my Weller variable temp-controlled station around 700 to 750 degrees F, unless I'm soldering something delicate. At that temperature, you can really burn up a component unless you work fast--and I work fast. A less experienced solderer should probably use a lower temp.

 

[PRR]

FOr 20 years, I have favored a plain unregulated 45W iron that idles at 850 degree F (about 454 degree C).

I do not recommend this for beginners.

I don't do much small-stuff, nothing less than 8-pin DIP and 1/4W legged resistors.

Nor do I recommend the underpowered too-cool irons that take all day to bring a leg up to soldering temp.

On most electronics, I like to get on and get off in 10 seconds. Any longer and stuff cooks. (Exception: power lugs and other rugged stuff that can take heat I'll sometimes cook for 30 seconds instead of finding a bigger iron.) Any less than maybe 5 seconds suggests that the iron is really too big for the part.

 

[adrianh]

725 F = 385 C for all typical irons.

The Metcal's and not typical.

 

[fazeka]

I really like the Weller WTCPT.

Look toward the bottom of the page... :thumb:

 

[CJ]

I stick my tongue out to test temp.
If I get a nice sizzle, I know I got the right one baby, uh huh.
:grin:

 

[clintrubber]

After many years with a fixed wattage Weller soldering iron,
it's time here too for a more decent soldering station.

Is Weller still the only way to go ?

And I'm wondering how essential a temp-adjustment control is.



Thanks,

Peter

 

[mcs]

[quote author="clintrubber"]And I'm wondering how essential a temp-adjustment control is. [/quote]
It's nice to have. When I have to solder something that requires a lot of heat (like tinplate boxes or terminal strips) I just turn a knob - a lot simpler than replacing a tip...

My soldering station is a kit from General Instrument (DK). I built it at school - we had to wind the power transformer and build the box our selves (from acrylic and aluminium plate), as well as assemble the board and lace the wires! But at least it still works nicely 10 years later...

Best regards,

Mikkel C. Simonsen

 

[clintrubber]

Thanks. Can imagine temp-control would be handy - it'd be a pity the thing collapses at the first sight of a large ground-plane.
For larger 'mechanical' things it'd be OK to get the old iron out.


BTW, how may Wellers out there ?

The Weller-brand seems to be in the same league as Marshall & Fender for gtr & Ampeg for bass... :wink:

...but they're about double the price so I was wondering if I'm paying for the name or for the added quality.

Bye,

Peter

 

[clintrubber]

also from Mikkel:

My soldering station is a kit from General Instrument (DK). I built it at school - we had to wind the power transformer and build the box our selves (from acrylic and aluminium plate), as well as assemble the board and lace the wires! But at least it still works nicely 10 years later...

That's nice, even building your tools yourself.

Note I can resist - I'm not asking how your soldered it... :wink:

Bye,

Peter