[Elecraft] Weller temp setting for KX1 build

[Don Wilhelm]

Chris,

I find a setting of 700 degrees F about right for me.

An even better indication is to see how long it takes for solder to 
flow.  If you can achieve a good solder connection in 2 to 3 seconds, 
that is about the right temperature.  If it takes longer for the solder 
to flow out to a nicely tapered edge where the solder edge is almost 
invisible on both the solder pad and the component lead, then your 
temperature is too low - if the solder flows in 1 second or less, then 
the iron is too hot.

Take a look at the soldering tutorial on the Elecraft website Builder's 
Resource page to see what a good solder connection looks like.

73,
Don W3FPR


Koaps wrote:
> Hi Guys,
> 
> I'm getting ready to start in on my KX1 build but one
> thing I'm a bit stuck on is the setting for my new
> Weller WES51 solder station.
> 
> Can anyone using one of these things suggest how I get
> the temp right?
> 
> I read the manual that came with it, but it really
> didn't make much sense to me, and I thought it would
> come with something that says set the dial here for
> this temp.
> 
> I did get a roll of Kester 44 solder, .020, that was
> suggested in the solder guide, I'm just not sure what
> setting to use on the dial.
> 
> Thanks for the help,
> -Chris