Show your iron! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 05:34:29 am
content: after show your multimeter, why not?Share yours as well!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 05:51:16 am
content: Shalom, time to clean it a little though, it is seeing some hard use.

author: Baliszoft
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 11:16:00 am
content: Lots of cables, but already got used to it.

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 12:01:36 pm
content: Don't have any decent pictures here @work.Well anyway my Pace irons:May post some more pics later.Florian

author: bullet308
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 12:56:36 pm
content: This one, a "Stahl", about $22 or so delivered:Probably the cheapest thing you can get that works reasonably well. I actually like it a fair bit.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 01:02:33 pm
content: and yes, that is a pipe clamp on the left iron.After like 14 years of use the plastic cracked and it wont stay tight without the clamp. hehe

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 01:15:13 pm
content: Locking wire works better ..........

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 09:43:55 pm
content: Don't laugh, I've done QFP208 and QFN with it, and I use it for occasoinanl car/electrical wiring also

author: TriodeTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2012, 10:56:35 pm
content: You'll notice cobwebs on the wun hung low iron. I had to blow a spider skeleton off it :-)It was my first time working with mains too - opening it up and isolating the 5 mm apart exposed wires before the resistance wire..

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 05:55:29 am
content: In chronological order:Weller WECP-20. My first station. Got it from my father, or well actually I just took it. I don't use it as often anymore as the handle tends to get hot and it it's too big, but it is a good station. The long tips allow to reach some rather narrow spots, unlike my other irons/stations.Weller WSD-81. My main work horse. I like the small pencil style handle.The iron stand is not the original one for the pencil but it works well enough.

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 06:03:33 am
content: Atten 858 SD+I bought this after I saw Daves review of it. It was only 45 Euros or so. Haven't used it much for anything besides shrinking heat shrink tubes.After that I bougth a crappy heated desoldering pump. Heat up time is very long. It works well enough for the 8 Euros it has cost me. Don't use it anymore as I bought my Pace station soon after.

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 06:18:12 am
content: Pace MBT 250.My newest soldering station. 3 Channel. I love the desoldering iron.

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 06:21:16 am
content: More Pace pics.

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 06:26:30 am
content: Even more Pace pics.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 08:25:04 am
content: My soldering irons, and yes I have used the gas irons on electronics. The smallest gas iron I bought in the early 70's awhen I was about 13 or 14 and used it to build a radio or two.

author: cwalex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 01:30:12 pm
content: Nice irons so far. I got the JBC after seeing video by robrenz. The Atten AT315D in pieces just blows fuses, I'll probably find time soon to try to repair it. I have another one of the same model Atten at work and it is really good. It works by induction, heats up in seconds and really performs well, not as good as the JBC of course

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 01:49:36 pm
content: Quote from: cwalex on September 25, 2012, 01:30:12 pmI am glad you are happy with it. I would not want to lead anyone astray.

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 02:12:41 pm
content: I'd like to try Metcal and a JBC, but I think I already have enough soldering irons on my hobbyist workbench. :/

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 10:22:44 pm
content: Quote from: LEECH666 on September 25, 2012, 02:12:41 pmNah. No such thing as "too many".

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2012, 11:36:10 pm
content: Quote from: LEECH666 on September 25, 2012, 02:12:41 pmTry the JBC first. why miss out on adjustable temperature and a wider variety of tips?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 12:07:06 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on September 25, 2012, 11:36:10 pmPrecisely. Besides JBC has more raw power and a slightly faster warmup time (2-3secs)

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 09:39:59 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on September 25, 2012, 10:22:44 pmLimited bench space/money.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 10:59:12 am
content: Quote from: LEECH666 on September 26, 2012, 09:39:59 amSell the existing solder equipment, and get a JBC.Problem solved.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 11:05:09 am
content: My USB soldering iron:And yes, it works...stop laughing, please.

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 12:30:30 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on September 26, 2012, 11:05:09 amOh man...

author: singera
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2012, 02:41:38 pm
content: I have HAKKO PRESTO 981

author: baljemmett
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 11:58:06 am
content: Quote from: ErikTheNorwegian on September 27, 2012, 11:29:32 amLooks good, but do they do a slightly narrower tip for doing fine-pitched work like, say, DIP?

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 01:46:44 pm
content: I thought clothes iron goes up to less than 280c max??? Last I measured two of my irons at max setting it was around 220-240c.tapatalk

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 02:24:50 pm
content: That tiny USB iron made me chuckle.How many watts does that one have?P = 0.5 A * 5V = 2.5 W or thereabout?OT:Googling for that USB iron I came across this.(Sorry for the big picture, I can't be arsed to resize / upload it someplace else.)http://www.usbchainsaw.com/BTT:Also that tiny USB iron is 20 € here. I'd rather put that money into a real iron.Florian

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 03:15:47 pm
content: From the size of the handle I would guess that the USB soldering iron has a battery that is recharged from the usb and not heated directly. The smallest Iron I have is six volts nine watts and I find that is not much use except for small size wires most traces are too big a heat sink.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 04:23:38 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on September 27, 2012, 03:15:47 pmYeah i was going to buy one for fun then i remembered there's no point. They aren't cheap (a 936D cost the same as they are!) even from china, and what can you do with 9W? AWG30 wire

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 07:49:54 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on September 27, 2012, 04:23:38 pmNo batttery. Just USB. 1A for 'heavy duty' work, with split USB plugs. ( 5 watts max) Oh...and there is a led shining at the tip, lighting up your work area.

author: Tuomas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 10:36:54 pm
content: I was feeling adventurous when I decided to get my current soldering station. Name brand soldering stations are annoyingly expensive in Europe, so I went for a Chinese thing. I also wanted a station with fast to change tips (I have access to a Weller WMRP soldering station, changing tips to fit the situation is great). So I went for an Aoyue 2900.I've been pleased with it, although the stand required some additions to make the iron fit in there properlyI've also got an old PACE desoldering station. Grabbed it from the throwaway bin at my University. Seems to work just fine. It's scary how much good stuff they throw away all the time.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 11:13:08 pm
content: Quote from: nukie on September 27, 2012, 01:46:44 pmInvert it, set the board on, and you've got a preheater.

author: aluck
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2012, 11:17:24 pm
content: LEECH666, do you really need those fancy soldering tweezers? actually, that is even fancier than USB powered iron.

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2012, 06:59:38 am
content: I bought the PACE plus the four handpieces plus a ton of tips plus accessories (consumeables) from eBay for 285€ including shipping from Austria, not Australia. So it came with the tweezer handpiece. Quite handy for the occasional SMD resistor/capacitor that needs to be removed. If a tweezer style soldering iron is really necessary for a hobbyist workbench like mine is another question. I mainly bought the PACE for the through hole desoldering handpiece. Everything else was just a bonus, really.Some pics of the complete package from eBay.www.imgur.com/a/9zV7A

author: aluck
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2012, 01:53:04 pm
content: Quote from: LEECH666 on September 28, 2012, 06:59:38 amI use an ordinary bevel tip for that (and for 99% of the rest of things). It's much more convenient for me than having another piece of gear on the workbench. Why don't you try the same thing?Personally, I never had tweezers, but I highly doubt it is easier.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 01:35:42 am
content: This one is from the 1800s.This one's kinda neat to look at also.Then there's Weller's first commercial soldering gun, the "Speedy Iron".Some of the rest of my collection and the ones I actually use are here:http://www.stevenjohnson.com/soldering.htm

author: Erwin Ried
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 02:58:00 am
content: Cheap Chinese stuff FTW!I actually ordered and used the flat iron tip because Dave nags so much in the videos about the pointy ones... and then went back to the original pointy one

author: Mediarocker
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 06:08:41 am
content: My first iron, my dad's ORIGINAL Weller 336B.Then I bought my own iron which turned out to be a poor purchase.. it's a Radioshack 15w Iron... nearly useless... Takes ridiculously long to heat up..Then for fathers day we bought my dad this soldering station from Radioshack. He loved it but it ended up sitting in his toolbox for years so I kinda stole it and put it to work. Worked great.Then I upgraded to this Radioshack 60w Soldering Station. I've been using it frequently and it works great, maintains heat and heats up within seconds. Absolutely love it. Next comes a multi station with rework capabilities...

author: LoyalServant
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 06:11:08 am
content: I have these two.the Chinese hakko copy (Aoyue) I have had about 6 months and the 888 about a month.I replaced a set of Wellers with these and I have been very happy with them so far.The Aoyue can be used with Hakko filters and the like so that's an added bonus so I just use Hakko parts on it.I used Weller irons for 20 years but the Hakko iron I feel is much better.please don't flame me Weller fans

author: d0ss
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 07:21:46 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on September 25, 2012, 11:36:10 pmDon't need temperature control round 'ere, with your fancy city slick dials!What I could do with is better lighting.RFG-30 & MX500.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 08:07:34 am
content: FYI, JBC are supposed to be sending me an iron. The big high power (250W?) one.Dave.

author: cwalex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 08:21:51 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on November 03, 2012, 08:07:34 amOoh nice! I suspect the JBC are going to sell a few more irons after you review it (assuming you plan to do a video of it).

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 11:53:48 am
content: They already sold me many if my wallet isn't that light!!!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 12:22:33 pm
content: I have the basic antex 12W, it copes with most things, I use 1mm and 2.3mm chisel tips. Next time I'll get an 18W though.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 12:59:40 pm
content: Quote from: LoyalServant on November 03, 2012, 06:11:08 amNo question that those Hakko irons are good for the cost. I just can't get by that they made them look like toys now.

author: andys electronics
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 11:32:53 pm
content: my toys that get hot!Ersa RDS 80 Soldering Station 80WJBC JT6040 hot air stationXytronic LF6000 Desoldering StationAOYUE Int 853A Preheater

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 12:17:26 am
content: Quote from: EEVblogIf it's the HD-2B, it'll blow your furry brain !! We have several, and they are incredible - even solder transformer shields as fast as we can.One point of note, select the right tip for the job, they have many dozens. I don't even have our largest ones shown in the pic. They're huge.My instructions / training for new users (even if they've used other JBCs) are -1/ Select the right size tip (usual selection parameters)2/ Dial up temperature to a "comfortable" value, depending on type of solder etc. Try ~340-360oC.3/ Dial up a Max power setting depending on copper area. 50-60W for small stuff, 80-100W for 8oz or heavier copper. START LOW.If it takes more than 1-2 secs for constant solder flow, tweak up the Power level.The "magic" of this is unit, is it's thermal delivery. It just never seems to run out of controlled heat.One favour - when you talk to them next .. I just can't seem to get an answer.The HD-2B is supposed to be able to take the smaller tips of other series, but I always get "tip unrecognised" or similar message.The manuals state it can. Is there a firmware upgrade? I'd like not to have 2 stations per bench.

author: Ferroto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 07:58:33 pm
content: Am I doing it right.

author: catcow1234
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 08:09:06 pm
content: Had this one a while now.