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Message started by Archie on 10/06/18 at 21:33:42

Title: Soldering Equipment
Post by Archie on 10/06/18 at 21:33:42

I just got done rebuilding my submersible well pump controller and I used my toy wood-burner as a soldering iron, hopefully, for the last time.

Can any of you do-it-yourself electronic guys recommend a decent soldering kit?

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by funch on 10/07/18 at 00:02:16

I use this one. Price is very reasonable, and it works great. Of course, it
helps that these guys are 45 minutes from my home.

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/CSI-PREMIER-75W-Soldering-Station-Kit.html

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Archie on 10/07/18 at 01:08:40

Thanks. That looks nice. It is backordered at the moment. What kind of solder do you use for electronics? All of mine is for plumbing.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by will on 10/08/18 at 01:48:10

Arch,

I think this is a very competent soldering tool.

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B00ANZRT4M/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1538959587&sr=1-4&keywords=haako+soldering+iron

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by funch on 10/08/18 at 04:22:48

This is the same one without the bundle.
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi-premier-75w-Soldering-Station.html

I use Cardas quad eutectic solder. You definitely don't want to use acid
core solder, which is what plumbing solder is. You want rosin core.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 10/08/18 at 04:38:38

I can back Will's suggestion. That is the exact make/model I have and love it.

And I also use the Cards Quad Eutectic solder and have been happy with its performance and ease of use.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Dominick on 10/08/18 at 04:53:05

Quote:

I can back Will's suggestion. That is the exact make/model I have and love it.

And I also use the Cards Quad Eutectic solder and have been happy with its performance and ease of use.

Same here...I have had this station for the past 2-3 years and love it as well! Ditto on the Cardas Quad Eutectic solder.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by will on 10/08/18 at 05:31:17

I mostly use Cardas Quad Eutectic solder too, though also Johnsons and Mundorf silver at times. Also agree about the Cardas workability and quality. Of these, it works easiest, and sounds really good to me.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Archie on 10/08/18 at 15:37:41

Thanks guys. This is all very helpful.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Dominick on 10/09/18 at 14:38:34

I had also bought the “ helping hands”. I don’t use them all the time… But there are times when they are a huge help.

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01902-Adjustable-Magnifying-Alligator/dp/B000P42O3C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1539092013&sr=8-4&keywords=soldering+helping+hands

There are all different kinds out there at different price points, but they are fairly inexpensive. I actually glued a magnet to the bottom of my base to make it more versatile. Just some food for thought.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by dank on 10/09/18 at 16:00:54

Also, as additional equipment, a stereo microscope can be amazing. They can be had for not ALL that much money, such as this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/AmScope-5X-10X-Binocular-Boom-Arm-Stereo-Microscope-LED-Gooseneck/141951406006?epid=2254488914&hash=item210cf68fb6:g:6cwAAOSwCFNbYPvW:rk:8:pf:0

You will want the 5x / 10x magnification for soldering, and should plan on buying a better LED "ring" light, as the light that comes with the unit is not the best. They are a must for surface mount, and can be really helpful for older eyes that don't see close up like they use to. They are also great for splinters.

Dan

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by 4krow on 10/09/18 at 17:25:57

Have had the Hakko for a few years now. It is among the best. Once you get a goo piece of kit, you scratch your head as to why you waited so long. Pretty much rings true for most tools/women, etc

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by will on 10/09/18 at 19:06:20

Also, if you need to solder anything with a bit of mass, like binding posts, or along the heavier copper ground buss in an amp with a bunch of things soldered to it, it can take a fair bit of heat and contact to get a relatively fast/quality joint. A soldering gun is nice to have for this. I have been using a Weller 9400PKS, and though not the most powerful, seems OK for my occasional needs.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by 4krow on 10/10/18 at 03:04:36

Good point Will. I keep a larger iron around just for that sort of thing.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Archie on 11/27/18 at 23:03:34

I finally order a soldering kit. I bought the Hakko that Will recommended.

Thanks everybody for your help! :)

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Archie on 12/05/18 at 20:01:49

I just got to use my new soldering station to put the fine wires of my daughter's phone charging cord, that the cat chewed in half, together and all I can say is WOW! Thanks again for all the help. Sure beats the toy wood-burner that I was using. ::)

Plus, due to the tin-silver-copper solder, the phone now charges 17% more efficiently. ;D

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by will on 12/05/18 at 21:15:51

Hey Archie. Glad you like it. I love tools that work well.

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by Tripwr1964 on 12/21/18 at 03:18:53

@ will

great call on the hakko! just made some Deulund DCA20GA IC's with switchcraft rca's. worked beautifully!

Thks

Title: Re: Soldering Equipment
Post by will on 12/21/18 at 05:33:52

Nice Trip. I use mine a lot and like it every time. :)