[Elecraft] quick (gooberheaded) solder question

[Steven J Baumrucker, MD]

I just got my KX-1 kit (#108) but I have a question before I proceed!

My soldering station is a Weller and it's calibrated in Degrees.  The K2
manual states 25-40 watt iron (with a tip of 370-430 deg C).  I'm assuming
this will be also correct for the KX-1 though I couldn't find anything in
the KX-1 manual that discussed solder temperature (I admit I may have missed
it!)  Since I'll be soldering ICs directly to the board, I thought I'd write
and ask the group about this before I go roasting all of my ICs due to too
high temps or too-long soldering time.  So I guess my question is, what
temperature corresponds to 25-40 watts, or is it simply the tip rating
(i.e., I set my station to 400 deg C)?  Obviously the lower I set the iron,
the longer it will take to make the joint; but too high a temp will fry
parts.

I guess I'm just too detail-oriented.  I'm nervous about putting iron to PC
board until I know I'm operating in a safe range.

Thanks!


steve