Soldering Tool

[Docjmp]

I tried to find something in MR about soldering tools and didn't find anything. What are you using and what size tip. I currently have the variable temp electronic soldering station - economy version and it only allows for the standard tip. I just bought some Bumping Posts from Tomar Industries and the soldering joints were small, precise, and beautifully done. Does anyone use the variable temperature electronic soldering station that allows for the micro tip? Will it give me that nice, small spot of soldering? Thanks.

Jim

[RR_Mel]

 

I have used soldering irons for over 60 years and all of the new variable heat soldering stations work well,  I went a newer one a few year back with a digital temperature readout, 350° to 800°,  I bought a micro-tip for working on circuit boards and a chisel tip for soldering rail joiners.

 

MPJA has a good selection at pretty good prices.

 

 http://www.mpja.com/Solder-Stations/products/480/

 

 

Mel

 

 

Modeling the SP in HO scale since 1951

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

[skagitrailbird]

All of the variable heat soldering irons I have seen can accept several sizes and shapes of tip. What brand & model do you have?

[maxman]

I don't know for certain, but I would suspect that any manufacturer that needs to make precision solder joints in volume uses some version of a resistance soldering unit, similar to this one sold at MicroMark: http://www.micromark.com/microlux-resistance-soldering-unit-with-single-electrode-handpiece,10952.html

 

[Docjmp]

Hi Roger,

I have the economy version of the variable temp electronic soldering station shown in the MicroMark catalogue. My main objection is that the tip only comes in one size and is $8 for a new one. A similar unit from MPJA is digital and has several tips to choose from for $2 each. I've always found in my work that it makes life so much easy and more enjoyable if you have the tools you need.

Jim

[Docjmp]

Thanks, Mel. I like those units. Nice choice of different tips, too. Good prices as well.

Jim

[rrinker]

I have a Xytronics soldering station purchased through Howard Electronics. Mine isn;t made any more, but the replacement one is perhaps nicer in that it has a digital readout, mine just has a knob to adjust the temp. There are about 20 different tips available for it in all sorts of sizes. Best of all, it's like $50. The stand that comes with it is worth at least half that - it's a very nice weighted stand that does not tip over or slide around on the bench, and it has a copper wool tip cleaner that is vastly superior to wetted sponges. I got mine 7 years ago and it's still on the original tip, I haven't had to use either of the extras I bought with it.

                             --Randy

[TBat55]

I also bought the MicroMark Weller station. I dropped it and something inside broke that sounds like ceramic. There is no replacement iron. I tried several and none worked, then called MicroMark and Weller. Both said no replacement is available. Although the iron plugs into the side of the station, it is non-repairable.

[BroadwayLion]

rrinker

I have a Xytronics soldering station purchased through Howard Electronics.

 

Mine too. Very Good, and Good service from Howard.

Manufactures probably use those thingies that work more like a welding set. Even more precission there.

ROAR

[cedarwoodron]

I got an X-tronics 4000 variable soldering station several years ago for Father's Day. I believe it was $59.98 (currently $79.98). It comes with about 10 tips and an led lamp, as well as a tool rest. Great value, great quality- it is a gift that keeps on giving, the more I use it. Still a good price, even now!

Cedarwoodron

[Bernd]

I use a resistance soldering rig and make my own tips from carbon rods.

Bernd

[RR_Mel]

Docjmp

Thanks, Mel. I like those units. Nice choice of different tips, too. Good prices as well.

Jim

 

Thanks Jim

 

I forgot to say if you have an electronics parts store close by they probably stock more than one manufacture and you could save the S&H.

 

I was a Weller fan for years but their pricing has increased faster than their quality.

 

There is one good thing about Weller, local availably of parts.

 

Mel

 

 

Modeling the SP in HO scale since 1951

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

[rrinker]

 I've posted this before, but it's almost a direct hit for me as to what's happened tot he Weller brand name since Cooper Industries bought them. Carl Weller invented the soldering gun in my home town, and the last plant before Cooper bought them was located only a few blocks from where I grew up (they make OK snack foods there now). Weller used to be one of those brands you could always rely on, top of the line tools for people who wanted quality stuff. I still have a late 50's era 150 watt gun, it does have a crack in teh case from being dropped one too many times, but it still works, and is much heftier than the newer one I have which came from Walmart of all places. Weller branded, same heat rating, but clearly less copper and steel in the transfomer. I doubt it will be functional 60 years from now.

 You can still get high end professional soldering tools witht he Weller name. But Copper Industries has applied the Weller name to everything from this top of the line professional stuff down to the cheapest pencil iron you can find. Most of the Weller soldering stations below $50 aren;t true temperature controlled units. If the iron plugs in to the base with a normal 3 prong cord - it's not controlled. You cna adjust the power (like using a speed control on a Dremel, or a dimmer switch on a light), but as long as it's plugged in, the iron heats. On a true temperature controlled station, the power to the heater cycles on and off, and the knob adjust the temperature setting. By keeping the temperature down and cycling the heating element, the tip temperature stayes in the range needed to solder and doesn't keep climbing until an equilibrium is reached between how much heat can dissipate and how much power is fed into it. Running at super high temperatures ozidizes the tip, causing the black crud that you see build up on it, which insulates the heat and literally burns off the plating of the tip. They key to good solder joints is a clean shiny tip that quickly transfers heat to the joint - I solder track all the time without using heat sinks to keep the ties from melting. When the iron is dirty and oxidized, you have to hold it on the joint longer to get enough heat - this leads to the heat migrating through the metal and you get things like melted ties or peeled up pc board traces. The controlled heat of a true temperatuire controlled station is why I'm still on the original tip after 7-8 years.

                      --Randy

 

[last mountain & eastern hogger]

I replaced my old soldering gun with a soldering station from HAKKO about 7 years ago and wish I would have done it sooner.

It is a great unit, good control, heavy construction it stays put wherever you set it.

The price at the time was about $70-80.  I wouldn't be without it now.

Johnboy out...........................

[richg1998]

I have used the Weller WLC100 for some years. Fifty percent heat for the fine conical tip with PC board soldering and seventy five percent heat with the wedge tip for track feeders.

Rich

[TBat55]

Thank you Randy.  Excellent reply!