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Soldering station...

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By jparry

May 26, 2009

Is there a particular rated (power) soldering station that I should look to buy?  Also - what tempreature should I usually run it at for day to day use?

Thanks in advance,

James

‹ Why did my soldering iron explode? Ouch! ›

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By ngcoders
@ Thu, 2009-08-13 22:54

Hi

 You will not see the advantage of a Temprate controlled soldering iron till you use one :) . 

 I thought that i never needed anything like them , But once i bought a decent one ive stopped using my other simple soldering irons. 

They are just much better at doing things , I have a CT - 932 which is a low end soldering station but is good enough for most jobs. I usually work around 340 - 380 .

http://www.ipmart.com/main/product/Soldering,Station,,Iron,,CT,932,220v,,37526.php?prod=37526 .

 

By jparry
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 23:40
Thanks for the info chaps!  Just what I was looking for.
By Ant
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 22:53
Ant's picture
If you can adjust the temp, I'd go for around 300 - 320C, but don't keep it on there for more than a couple of seconnds.
By iCon
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 18:38
iCon's picture
45 W is a little too hot, i use a 25 W and it takes a second or so to melt lead free solder, I would try and replace the tip if your having troubles, or get a different solder.
By LOLGeek
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 18:10
LOLGeek's picture
If you use the non lead solder it will need to be hotter. I use a 45w iron with non lead solder. And I still have some issues.
By Krumlink
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 18:40
Krumlink's picture

Haha oh god that non lead solder is terrible to work with! You will have problems for the rest of eternity if you keep using that stuff. The main (only?) advantage of non lead solder, is that it is mostly eco friendly. Lead prevents the formation of tiny tin crystals that short out components that have ultra small dimensions. And it is cheaper.

 

Advise to all: Use non lead only if you are a experienced solder-er and are a hippie (jk).

By merser
@ Wed, 2010-03-10 02:08
merser's picture
I use 60/40 tin/lead and found 260-280C fine for soldering. As far as wattage is concerned, if it's temperature controlled the higher the wattage the better. Quicker heat up time and more even heat control. If it's not temperature controlled then higher wattage irons do need some skill in using.
By LOLGeek
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 18:59
LOLGeek's picture
I have it down now though. I just dont clean my tip and it works fine. lol... lead solder would be easier though or a better non lead solder.
By Myc Holmes
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 17:59
Myc Holmes's picture

You do get what yo pay for. After replacing too many cheap soldering irons, I finally bought a temperature controlled soldring station with a replceable tip.

Haven't had a problem since.

 

 

By voodoobot
@ Tue, 2009-05-26 17:07
voodoobot's picture
I recommend a 20 watt iron at least. 25 works good, 30-40 has the potential to damage certain components as it gets pretty hot(no duh) at that rating.
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