[Elecraft] SolderingStation Selection

[Iain MacDonnell - N6ML]

I'm far from an expert on this topic, but I bought myself a WES51 a
few years ago, having previously only used soldering irons... it was
quite an enlightening experience - I'll never go back!

It seems that the Weller accessories (wide variety of different tips,
replacement sponges, etc) are very readily available (Fry's
electronics around here), but I see the Hakko stuff around a lot too.
I'm sure either would be fine for building a K2.

    ~Iain / N6ML


On Sat, Nov 6, 2010 at 11:19 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire <ron at cobi.biz> wrote:
> That looks like a good choice, Paul.
>
> The temperature range, heat capacity and tip sizes important characteristics
> IMO.
>
> Knob temperature control like the WES51 is extremely useful. Most soldering
> is done at 750F and if I use some solder wick to remove solder I bump it up
> to 800F to compensate for the heat-sink effect of the wick.
>
> I use a 1.6mm wide chisel tip for 99% of my pc-board work. The narrow edge
> provides a very small "point" for small pads while the wide side works on
> most pads - even fairly large pads such as used to mount BNC connectors on
> the board.
>
> For very tight, small spaces a conical tip is good to have.
>
> I have a HAKKO 936 so I am not personally familiar with the Weller, but good
> heat capacity is important to avoid "temperature droop" or cooling of the
> tip by cleaning or just soldering a large-than-normal pad. The biggest
> danger to your pc boards is "cooking" a trace with the iron for too long.
> That will "debond" it from the board underneath and is caused more often by
> prolonged heat at lower temperatures than by higher heat for short periods.
> I set my temperature and choose the tip so that solder melts within 2 to 3
> seconds after the iron is applied.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> I am waiting for my K2/100 to be delivered.  In the meantime I am deciding
> on what soldering station to buy.  On the Elecraft web site there is a
> posting to stay away from soldering irons >40 watts and > 850 degrees.
> I am looking at a Weller 50 watt and variable temp from 350 to 850 degrees.
> It is a model WES51.  Is it ok to use this soldering station on the K2/100?
>
> Tnx,
>
> WN2K
>
> Paul
>
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