Problem with Weller WS 81 / WSP 80 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ondre
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 12:57:13 pm
content: Hi everyone,I'm using a Weller WS 81 station / WSP 80 soldering iron. I usually set the station to 320°C and it worked just fine, but since I started a new spool of solder (Sn95,5 Ag Cu0,7 F-SW32), I'm having some problems with my soldering. The tin isn't flowing and not attaching to the pads and the components that well. I used to work on SMD stuff with a small chisel tip, now only thing that seems to be working is the big 3mm chisel tip and cranking up the temperature to 400 - 450°C.The temperatures at the tip measured with a type K thermocouple reads about 30°C too low, but I'm not sure if that's really accurate.What am I doing wrong? Is it possible that the heating element or the temperature sensor is broken? At work I'm using a Weller Micro-Something (honestly, does anyone keep up with Weller's naming schemes for their tools?) with really fine tips and I never had to rise the temperature anywhere near 400°C, even when soldering on large thermal pads.Thanks,Ondre

author: continuo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 01:37:32 pm
content: Mind to tell us what particular brand of solder you are using? I've some experience with the WSP80 and never had such problems. Maybe it's just a case of cheap crappy solderwire?

author: bktemp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 01:49:23 pm
content: There are many different types of lead free solder. Some of them require a higher temperature in the range of 350-400°C, others work fine at 300°C.Most manufactures specify the recommended temperature in the datasheet.I also had solder wire with missing flux at some parts of the wire. Try to skip the first metre.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 02:13:01 pm
content: I think I found the solder on reichelt.de, they specify a melting point of 217oC (for what it's worth...)http://www.reichelt.de/Solder/LOeTZINN-F1-8250/3/index.html?ACTION=3&GROUPID=557&ARTICLE=47301&OFFSET=16&SID=12U0fF4X8AAAIAAAK2Bdk63465152c04ed63809ea4510962c6a8a&LANGUAGE=EN

author: Yansi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 02:59:25 pm
content: Only idiot will use a lead-free solder for prototype soldering.Throw the shit in to the bin and buy yourself a proper SnPb solder with flux core.Don't use the ROHS shit unless explicitly required!

author: Ondre
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 03:23:40 pm
content: Yes, it's the Felder brand solder wire from Reichelt, but 0.5mm diameter and flux core. I use the same at work, where I'm supposed to use RoHS compliant shit and had no problems with it, that's why the idiot thought it would be ok for my hobby use as well :-)

author: Yansi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 04:09:19 pm
content: Oh my god, world has gone wild. ROHS shit as a hobby!(I understand that at work, but still, prototypes are allowed to be leaded, as far as I know)

author: Ondre
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 04:18:41 pm
content: Oh, come on, it's not thaaaat badAnyway, my next order from Reichelt will contain a different type of (leaded) solder wire (and a solder fume extractor - my eyes were hurting this morning after yesterdays slightly frustrating soldering session). Any suggestions?

author: Yansi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 04:25:04 pm
content: As a leaded solders, Stannol Kristall 505 is good. But I use mostly solders from a local manufacturer (by the way, not that far from you :-) )As a core flux, I'd recommend MTL468. Very satisfied with it. Non-corrosive (no wash needed), smells good () and doesn't irritate eyes.

author: Ondre
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 08:10:34 pm
content: Ok, thanks. Yes, Stannol is really not that far away :-)

author: Julez
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 07:41:59 pm
content: Hi!I may sound like a shill as I have only one posting. I stumbled over this thread as I just recieved a new WS81 solder station today and wanted to know what's up with it.A few days ago I got the best solder wire I ever owned:http://www.led-shop.com/Loetzinn-250g-Spule-SN62Pb36Ag2The solder is eutectic, meaning it solidifies in an instant. It flows very well, and has enough flux in it so that one does not always have to add solder just to add flux. I made side-by-side tests with the Fluitin 1532 I swore by before, and the new solder was clearly a winner.Soldering with this solder and the Weller is a dream.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2015, 07:54:40 pm
content: Welcome to the forum.Many of us know how nice a solder is with a little Silver in it, there are times when nothing else compares along with a slightly lower melting temp.I'll ask you to look at the thread title and your post.....it's a good idea to stay "on topic" as it makes it much easier to find specific posts at a later date.