[R-390] Suggestions for better soldering iron or techniques?

[Barry]

W.,

I'm pretty sure Eric Clapton could make my guitar sound better than I do.  So much of soldering is technique and the wood burner has served me well for over 40 years.

One of these days, I'd really like to "invest" in better soldering tools - particularly a desolderer.  A cheap-o Radio Shack solder sucker and braid works okay most of the time, but I'd get a lot of use out of a true desolderer.

One day...

Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ

----- Original Message -----
> From: "wli" <wli98122 at yahoo.com>
> To: r-390 at mailman.qth.net
> Cc: "Barry" <n4buq at knology.net>
> Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2014 1:17:36 PM
> Subject: re: Suggestions for better soldering iron or techniques?
> 
> Barry:
> 
> At the risk of getting flamed, I have been using an Unger
> wood-burning tool for soldering since the 50's. Mine happens to be
> attached to a Variac so that I can drop the tip temperatures as
> needed. I make up my own copper tips from round stock, cutting
> threads for use. In my case, this has served me for 50% of what I
> do. Spare 50W and 37.5W elements are around, since no one wants them
> anymore.
> 
> For heavier work, I like my dual heat Weller 8200 soldering gun.
> 
> I have had the best luck de-soldering small stuff like PC boards with
> an expensive Hakko 808. There is nothing wrong with braid for other
> tasks.
> 
> Desoldering small shielded cables is indeed difficult. Sometimes, you
> just have to either cut flush and redo the ends, or simply run a new
> shielded cable. Splices are a real bad idea.
> 
> W. Li
>