It's not necessary if you're happy with the tips you have. Those four should give you plenty of choices. I happen to like a very fine electronics tip for the soldering I do. That's what works best for me. when I'm working on electronic components such as decoders. Stay cool and run steam.....
Is all this a secret? What size solder tip do you use for soldering electronics, like a DCC board? Do you use a different tip for soldering brass kits? And...what is a "very fine electronics soldering tip?" What is the size of a "very fine electronics soldering tip" in inches? Thanks. [ December 24, 2005, 04:21 PM: Message edited by: sapacif ]
No it isn't a secret. Your soldering tips aren't supposed to be used for soldering electronic components such as decoders or any PC component board. They are much too large One of the smaller tips I use is .008 in diameter. The .008 diameter tip costs $8.87. I use it for wiring decoder installations, PC board components and yes I use it for brass building kits or any other brass kit. It would be great for your 0.10 wire. I have some tips that are smaller. A smaller tip heats up faster. In soldering bigger isn't better. Stay cool and run steam....
Thanks. Good diagram and exactly what I need to know. They are calling me off...Christmas, you know. Later. I get it now. Hey, I am off for another tip. Guess I could solder some track, though! I want to solder a Bakatronics kit, so I will wait until I get the correct tip.
Flash: I'm glad we finally were able to communicate on this problem of soldering tips. I would use the electronics tip to solder feeders to track as well. You won't melt the ties that way. Have a healthy and happy holiday. Stay cool and run steam......
Thanks, PSG. I was just frustrated as Santa wasn't here yet. I always get that way on Christmas Eve. I think I will get the .008 conical and maybe one twice as big like .015 conical. Then practice a little. I don't want to mess up the Bakatronics kit. Thanks again and Merry Christmas.
Looks like the exact same solder I have used for many long years. When it seems to be necessary, I use a liquid flux. Applied sparingly with a Q-Tip or fine tip brush. Boxcab E50
Is this a good price for this unit? 41 US$ for a Weller PU120 Soldering station. Thanks. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4428027248&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
I just did a google search for a Weller PU120 Soldering station on Amazon of over 400 Weller soldering products and came up empty. It is a used soldering station and if in good condition is worth $41. How is the temperature controlled in the soldering unit? You can get a great deal on a new Weller soldering station on Amazon.com in the same price range. If the cost of the unit is over $25, the shipping is free. Here is the site: Amazon.com -Weller Soldering Products Have fun with your search.... Stay cool and run steam....
Flash, I would avoid buying a used soldering station unless you know the history of it well. When used by the average hobbyist they will last a long time, but if it has seen any production service it may have little life left in it. If used for daily production they rarely last for more than a year. You can get Wellers entry level station for about $40 and a model similar to the eBay item for $125 new at: http://www.elexp.com/am_wellr.htm Bob, the temperature on those models is automatically controlled by the tip selected. They have tips for a fixed 600, 700, or 800 deg. F.
Nelson: Thanks for the info. I have a Hako soldering station and am not familiar with the Weller units.With the Hako station I can dial up any temperature. I agree with you completely about not buying a used unit. There are so many new units available at reasonable pricing. Stay cool and run steam....
Bob I did a search for the Hako on Amazon,came up with the Hako 936 for $93,this a good price for this unit? I'm in the market for a variable temp soldering unit for all these AC kits I have..........
Yeah Bob, I prefer an adjustable iron also. The Hakko's are nice units. Weller also makes some top line adjustable ones. A lot of production shops prefer the "set by tip" temp ones for two main reasons. One is the "theory" goes that they are more reliable because in production use the rheostat is usually the weak link and the first part to fail. Number two is it prevents the workers from monkeying with the temp setting. (main cause for reason number one) Jason, Thats a bit high priced for that model. Street price is usually $70-$80. http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/product/0460-0004 http://www.emsco-usa.com/hakko/936.htm Just depends on whether the shipping and possible tax balances out with the price you find. Also, try searching for Hakko (with two K's) and you may get more results.
Ah perfect,thank you Nelson. But I'm now wondering about compatability power plug wise?(US/AUS)How do I get around that? Also would this model suit my needs for mainly soldering white metal & photo etchings?
Order from an Australian dealer such as: http://www.computronics.com.au/hakko/soldering/ Unless you are modeling in Garden scale or larger it should handle any photo etchings.
Jason: That's a fair price for that Hako unit. With Amazon, the shipping is free with a $25 purchase or more. That's a great shipping price to Australia. That's worth the price as well. Stay cool and run steam...
