[Boatanchors] soldering/desoldering on boatanchors

[Al Parker]

Hi Eugene,
    Are you sure you want the desoldering GUN?  They're fairly large, from
what I can tell, and can limit access to tight places.  I did some looking
b4 I ended up with a Hakko desoldering station, almost 2 yrs ago now.  It
sure is handy.  I got a used one on ebay, I think I paid about $150 for
it.  In a 2-3 week period then there were several up for sale.  It's more
$ than a gun, but a does a better job from what I can tell.
    Here's what I said about it then to a friend who had recently bought a
similar used one:
================
March 2004
    I just got a Hakko 470 yesterday, it has a #802 pistol grip head.  It
didn't have a tip when it arrived, where have you bought them, and the
filters?  I've found a cupla places on the web, but they don't list the
470/802 units.  I'm pretty sure the tips for the 474/808 unit are the
same, but I can't find any part no.s for the filters for them.  I'd like
to get some coming to me today or tmw, will have use for it next week.
Other than that, mine seems in good condx, pump  & ht element work, I just
can't melt or suck anything.
    They list several size tips, I thought I'd get maybe 2 of the std
ones, #A1003, 0.8mm ID x 1.8 OD, & one huskier A1005, 1.0 ID x 2.5 OD.  I
see at least 3 different ceramic paper filter no.s.
====================
    I did by 2 tips, and ceramic filters, am still on the first tip, but
it's close to done.  If you've never used a vacuum desolderer, it's great.
It'll suck enuf off a terminal strip that the wires will almost fall off
with a little tug.  If you wiggle the wire a little as you take the tip
away, it'll be loose and unwrap easily.
    I think a 2.3 mm tip would be too wide for most of what we do.  I have
a smaller one, would have to go hunt to find just what dia.  Mine may be
too small, it does plug.  Don't think I've used braid since I got the
Hakko.
    Your mileage may vary,
73,
Al, W8UT
New Bern, NC
BoatAnchors appreciated here
http://www.thecompendium.net/radio/
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http://www.hammarlund.info


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eugene Hertz" <ehertz at tcaf.org>
To: <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 9:11 PM
Subject: [Boatanchors] soldering/desoldering on boatanchors


hello all,

Well, my $69 digitally-temp controlled soldering iron from radio shack
died  after about a total of 3 hours of combined use over 2 days.  Display
no longer works so you cant change the temp.  Good think I kept my
receipt!

So, I've decided that I get what I pay for and should buy a real unit.
After reading much, I *think* I will get the following items for
soldering/desoldering hopefully with some advice, input, insight from you
gents here who have actually done this stuff.  The following is my wish
list from kiesub electronics (I have no connection with them). Plus, they
have free shipping for orders > $100.

808-KIT/P Hakko 808 Desoldering Gun   $159.95
936-12/P Hakko 936-12 Solder Station  $77.95
A1394/P Hakko A1394 Desolder Nozzle   $13.95

I have read many great things about the desoldering station 808, but
mostly for use on pcbs. I was wondering if anyone has used this
successfully on boatanchors? You will notice the last item I listed. It is
a wide nozzle with an opening of 2.3mm which I thought could be very
usefull for larger solder joints.

What say ye great list members?

More soldering questions.
1. What type of solder should I be using? silver? 60/40? Or perhaps I
should ask what solder to avoid?
2. I picked up some rosin soldering flux from radio shack, but it is so
thick like bees wax, I cant brush it on.  Anyone have a recommendation for
this?
3. Anyone recommend some solder wick? (I hope I wont need it if I get the
hakko desoldering but its probably good to have on hand).
4. Is there a good online retailer for this accessory stuff?

thanks all!
Eugene
PS, I know there are many products out there such as weller, paco,
xyltronics but I thought I'd try the hakkos.



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