Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Solder....again.....

Thu Aug 28 09:10:00 2003

I quite agree that a sponge (at least a wet sponge) cools the iron and 
makes the job harder.  However, one needn't look beyond a simple paper 
towel (a good ol' Bounty, for example) to do the cleaning job.  A quick 
swipe or two across the towel somewhat bunched up (to prevent your fingers 
from getting burned) does a beautiful job of cleaning the tip, and, when 
done quickly, the towel barely starts to scorch.

best wishes,

dave belsley, w1euy

--On Thursday, August 28, 2003 10:09 AM +0100 "Kenworthy, Edward (EDS)" 
<[email protected]> wrote:

> I think the original question askers point is being missed. He's in the
> same position I was a few months ago: is interested in a K2, is looking to
> improve his soldering skills but hasn't yet decided to actually go ahead
> with the K2 at all. And he's concerned that using an uncontrolled iron
> isn't giving him very good results.
>
> I thought I'd throw my 2p worth in.
>
> The difference between using a t/c iron and an uncontrolled iron is like
> night and day. Using an uncontrolled iron I could solder perhaps 1-3
> joints before having to wait for it to heat up again. It was slow, and if
> I started to try and rush then I produced more joints that I at least had
> to go back an re-check if not re-solder.
>
> So I went and bought an inexpensive 40W t/c iron. What a difference! I can
> keep soldering until my arm drops off, only pausing to clean the tip after
> every 4 or 5 joints. Every joint is bright and shiny and, using a small
> bit as recommended, I haven't gotten solder anywhere it shouldn't be.
>
> So I would definately buy a t/c iron right away - it'll definately give
> you the confidence to go for a K2.
>
> I would add as my own tip - do not use a sponge to clean your iron's tip.
> Firstly it's messy and I find actually a pain to get the tip clean and
> second it cools the iron. Instead invest in a metal cleaner - basically a
> little pot with what looks like a brass brillo pad in it. Stick tip in,
> pull tip out - perfectly clean tip. Makes tinning the tip extra easy -
> metal a blob of solder on the tip, stick it into the brillo pad, pull it
> out and voila a perfectly tinned tip.
>
> I'd never go back to an uncontrolled iron.
>
> Edward
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list: [email protected]
> You must be subscribed to post to the list.
> To subscribe or unsubscribe see:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Elecraft Web Page:
> http://www.elecraft.com
> Also see: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm

----------------------------------
David A. Belsley
Professor of Economics