[Elecraft] quick (gooberheaded) solder question

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Arjen, I'll add to Don's answer that the KX1 manual recommends a 1.3 mm
(0.05") spade tip because of the narrow traces and generally tight spaces.
The KX1 board is full, and it takes the proper width tip to avoid solder
bridges while still providing the proper heat transfer. 

I built my KX1 with a tip temperature of 375C (700F) using a Hakko 936
ESD-safe soldering station. I don't know about the Weller, but the Hakko
heating element brings the temperature from cold-room level up to 700F in
less than 30 seconds. That means that it can pour out the heat fast enough
to hold the tip at the proper temperature while soldering even fair-sized
connections. 

My tip was a 1.6 mm and I wouldn't recommend using anything wider on the
KX1. 

Ron AC7AC