Desolder component from large ground plane - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: malch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 06:24:03 pm
content: If you need to solder or desolder a component from a very large ground plane, I present to you the most magnificent soldering iron available. Like new. Note the diaphragm heat firewall to keep your hand cool while doing that tricky job!http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Soldering-Iron-550-Watt-1-034-Tip-American-Beauty-Detroit-Works-Great-/221634847687?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276P.S. Not mine...but wish it was.... for something.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 07:23:55 pm
content: It looks very dangerous. The tip isn't earthed, as it has a two pin plug.You're better off pre-heating the PCB using a hot plate or heat gun and using a traditional soldering iron.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 07:41:18 pm
content: QuoteThis is type of iron is not for any SMD or TH or PCB plane soldering work. It will destroy any small electronics component with too high temperature, too much heat and massive tip. Construction does not inspire confidence also.Probably useful for some metal work.

author: MartyD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 07:52:02 pm
content: Quote from: malch on December 13, 2014, 06:24:03 pmExcellent tool for fixing your roof gutter!Would be twice as powerful here in Germany since we have 230V mains.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 01:38:38 am
content: Quote from: MartyD on December 13, 2014, 07:52:02 pmUm, what? 4 times... At least for a short time.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 04:22:50 am
content: They use this tip for stuff like lead window stained glass frames.They also use it, as others have mentioned, for soldering together gutters way back when. They, for obvious reasons, don't use those gutters anymore. But you will occasionally still see this in places that make custom stained glass artwork.It is not safe for removal of SMD components.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 05:04:15 am
content: Quote from: Falcon69 on December 14, 2014, 04:22:50 am1" tip. exactly how would you even maneuver that for SMD components?

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 05:05:52 am
content: snow plows have no problems, use the same methodI mean with the size of that thing you can just drag desolder the whole board just by plowing all the components.

author: richard.cs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2014, 12:27:02 pm
content: I have a very similar one at work which we use to solder 7/16 RF connectors (look them up) to coax.

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2014, 12:37:37 pm
content: Whilst not for SMD work there are some tasks where only a big soldering iron will do, fitting large RF connectors is one task and making large cases from PCB stock is another. I cannot match the beast in the original post but for large soldering jobs I have 'Thor' which is a soldering iron fitted with a 1cm bit. Power consumption is 250W and you need to be very careful where you rest the instrument when not in use due to the high heat output.