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I've mostly used a soldering iron (simple wand, no ground plug, no temperature control), and occasionally a soldering gun (two settings: slag rosin core solder, and slag FASTER).
Recently, I used a Weller soldering station with variable heat control (analogue) to do some work, and found that it was much better than my really old and cheap wand.
So, what should I look for in a soldering station, assuming a price range of $100 to $300?
In reading online and discussion elsewhere, some elements that came up in discussion:
Do you have any other ideas or considerations for features you like in a soldering station?
Other than a "third arm with manification" , de-solder pump, and "Solder Wick" do you have anything else you include near your solder stations for the work you do?
Do you use wood as the platform on which you do work, or some other material like dense stone, or artificial materials with claims they don't release toxic fumes when high temperatures are applied?
Do you have any other thoughts or advice for our readers on how to setup your location for solder work other than the obvious? (For example: "use well ventilated areas" and "Don't solder naked." :-)
Do you have other brands? Favorite models? Why?
Many of the items above were included as part of advice from people elsewhere. I am happy to identify them if they want to be, and give credit to them. :-) (One resource that is ok with the mention was "scorche", and another was "tooth")
Recently, I used a Weller soldering station with variable heat control (analogue) to do some work, and found that it was much better than my really old and cheap wand.
So, what should I look for in a soldering station, assuming a price range of $100 to $300?
In reading online and discussion elsewhere, some elements that came up in discussion:
Code:
* Desired names: (Designed to stay on for long periods of time as normal operation,
replaceable/removable common/interchangeable tips, etc.)
* Metcal
* Weller
* Maybe Hakko
* Features:
* Variable Temperature settings
* Digital/Analog both good. Digital better if your components are really
temperature sensitive.
* Wattage:
* Higher wattage is better up to ~20 watts unless variable temperature
control is available to throttle back the heat generated when using more power
* Ground:
* For variable temperature with sensors, lacking a ground in the AC plug, the
temperature sensor may swing wildly with inaccurate data, leading to
over-heating/under-heating what the dial is set to.
Other than a "third arm with manification" , de-solder pump, and "Solder Wick" do you have anything else you include near your solder stations for the work you do?
Do you use wood as the platform on which you do work, or some other material like dense stone, or artificial materials with claims they don't release toxic fumes when high temperatures are applied?
Do you have any other thoughts or advice for our readers on how to setup your location for solder work other than the obvious? (For example: "use well ventilated areas" and "Don't solder naked." :-)
Do you have other brands? Favorite models? Why?
Many of the items above were included as part of advice from people elsewhere. I am happy to identify them if they want to be, and give credit to them. :-) (One resource that is ok with the mention was "scorche", and another was "tooth")
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