Micro soldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 08:44:15 pm
content: What kind of soldering station do you use for micro soldering?Hakko or JBC or different?( By micro soldering I mean reparing devices of size like mobile phones ).Thanks

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 09:02:41 pm
content: I use a Weller WSL with a WMP handle. They have a good variety of tips, including at least one with a needle-sharp tip. (I think this one has a steel core, not copper, which doesn't conduct heat as well, though.) But, I now use this for nearly all my soldering, and think it is GREAT! I do leaded parts down to 0.4mm lead pitch, under a stereo microscope. This is not a cheap station, but I got my home one off eBay at a decent discount.Jon

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 10:05:19 pm
content: FWIW, I've both Weller WSP80 & WMP irons connected to a WD1 control unit. Despite owning the smaller WMP and a microscope, I actually do the vast majority of my SMD work with the WSP80, including fine pitch (drag solder technique).A hot air station came in second, followed by a preheater, and finally the micro iron.

author: flolic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 10:41:48 pm
content: JBC CD-2BC station, T210 handle with C210-009 tip.Can do 01005 parts (0.4x0.2mm) easily. Depending of job, you may need PCB preheater.

author: KrudyZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2018, 10:43:31 pm
content: JBC Nano and a good inspection microscope...

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 07:07:30 am
content: Thank you for replies.Nobody uses Hakko such as Hakko FM-2032/FX-951 ?I watched Hakko FM-2032/FX-951 review, micro pencil soldering iron & station.atby Louis Rossmann .He also mentioned JBC but prefers Hakko.Any comments? Thanks

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 07:20:42 am
content: I just recently bought a Quick 861 DW and it works great.Hakko was just to far out of range for my budget.Personally,based on what I've seen ,Hakko is more just name than product now.

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 11:28:39 am
content: Yes, I was also thinking about Quick 861 DW too but it is hot air station, isn't it?But Hakko FM-2032/FX-951 is a (micro)soldering station.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 06:08:28 pm
content: Quote from: Jane on February 16, 2018, 11:28:39 amYes, the Quick 861DW is a hot air station.As per the Hakko, the FX951 with the standard iron (FM-2027) is a fantastic deal for those in North America (great performer, and the tips can be had for $10.47 per for most common profiles). In my case, it wasn't out when I purchased my soldering station.The FM-2032 however is much newer, and doesn't have that much of a tip selection at this point (I'm seeing only 6 tips available, and they're expensive at $36.57 per). So the tip issues might be the primary reason it's not gained a lot of traction thus far.For disclosure, I got the prices from TEquipment.net (no affiliation other than as a customer).

author: kony
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 07:09:27 pm
content: If soldering bodgewires to side of 0,4mm pitch QFN applies as micro soldering, then Ersa i-con with 0,2mm sharp short tip (love it, so lightweight handle and ready in 6s). Fixes of 0201 components are not a problem either.

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 09:36:06 pm
content: @nanofrog: I think FM-2032 is a handpiece kit that makes microsoldering possible but I need a base station such as FX951 + microsoldering tip. Is it so?

author: RayRay
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 10:18:57 pm
content: To be honest, the type of soldering station is not overly important (as pretty much all of em have a wide variety of tips, and the tips is what essentially makes the difference!) there are different shapes/sizes that are suitable for different purposes. Also, when it comes to SMD work, most of the time, you'd be working with hot air (and not a soldering iron, although, that too has it's uses in that department), also, using a microscope is critical (as you wouldn't be able to clearly see what you're doing otherwise!). Anyways, I've compiled a list of various equipment (that is useful for SMD/Soldering works, as well as working with electronics in general). You may (or may not) need everything on it (depending on what you'd be doing, or if you already have some of it handy) but it's a very comprehensive and useful list (that I'm sure a lot of people would find handy!):So, here it is:Soldering Station:https://www.banggood.com/Digital-Soldering-Iron-Rework-Station-Adjustable-Temperature-T12-Welding-Handle-p-1122692.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNSet of tips:https://www.banggood.com/T12-Series-Solder-Iron-Tips-for-Hakko-Soldering-Station-FX-951-FX-952-p-932701.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNTip Thermometer (useful for calibration):https://www.banggood.com/DANIU-FG-100-Soldering-Iron-Tip-Thermometer-Temperature-Tester-0-700-p-952899.html?rmmds=searchTip brass cleaner:https://www.banggood.com/BEST-Wire-Sponge-Soldering-Iron-Tip-Cleaning-Clean-Ball-Remover-p-84441.html?rmmds=search0.3MM Solder:https://www.banggood.com/6040-0_3mm-50g-Tin-Lead-Rosin-Core-Solder-Soldering-Wire-p-943830.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN0.5MM Solder:https://www.banggood.com/6337-0_5mm-Tin-Lead-Rosin-Core-Soldering-Iron-Wire-Reel-p-946006.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN0.8MM Solder:https://www.banggood.com/6337-0_8mm-Tin-Lead-Rosin-Core-Flux-Solder-Soldering-Welding-Iron-Wire-Reel-p-992684.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNFlux (apply with a tooth pick, must have):https://www.banggood.com/NC-559-ASM-TPF-Flux-Anti-Wet-No-Clean-100g-Cream-AMTECH-Solder-Paste-p-975156.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNSolder Paste (must have for soldering tiny SMD parts, as well as ICs, using a soldering iron for these can be tricky sometimes):https://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-50g-Mechanic-Soldering-Solder-Welding-Paste-Flux-MCN-300-SMD-SMT-Sn63Pb37-Tool-p-50581.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNSet of Syringes (for the paste):https://www.banggood.com/5Pcs-5ml-Syringe-Crimp-Sealed-Blunt-End-Tips-For-Makeup-DIY-Glue-Oil-Ink-p-1084357.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNSet of solder wick (10 rolls):http://www.dx.com/p/wlxy-wl-2015-2-0mm-copper-desoldering-wires-golden-255325Hot Air Station:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10035521/7757304-yihua-8858-650w-portable-led-electric-hot-airSet of extra hot air nozzles *non-essential, but can make certain tasks easier*:https://www.banggood.com/15pcs-852-850-Nozzle-Hot-Air-Stations-Gun-Rework-BGA-Nozzle-For-Soldering-Station-p-1258908.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CNHot Air Stand *non-essential, but can make certain tasks easier, as you'd have one hand free by using it*:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10022341/4821000-kaisi-f-204-hot-air-gun-cell-phone-repairHeat Insulation Pad:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10034091/7717502-magnetic-heat-insulation-pad-desk-mat-maintenanceDigital Microscope (a must have for working with tiny SMD components/ICs!):https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10041165/9620913-andonstar-a1-i-b-500x-magnifier-usb-digitalPCB Holder #1:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10029832/6533600-baku-bk-687-adjustable-mainboard-pcb-cardPCB Holder #2:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10005722/7600600-pro-skit-sn-390-pcb-printed-circuit-board30 AWG Hookup Wire:http://www.dx.com/p/rxdz-p-n-b-30-1000-insulated-pvc-coated-30awg-wire-wrapping-reel-200m-green-500249Multimeter (Option 1):https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002748/6659300-uni-t-ut139c-handheld-true-rms-digital-multimeterMultimeter (Option 2):https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10045104/9620280-aneng-an860b-true-rms-digital-multimeterMultimeter probe set:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10031011/9632282-p1300c-universal-multimeter-probe-leads-kit-14Set of prying tools (for opening phones/tablets or anything plastic that doesn't have screws basically):https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10046939/9623407-kaisi-6-in-1-dual-end-metal-spudger-pryingSolder assist tools (helps with removal of certain components, as well as opening joints with excess solder):https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10005062/1397600-sa-10-6-piece-carbon-steel-solder-assist-tools-setSet of tweezers (also helps removing certain components, such as ICs, and holding tiny SMD components as you remove em):https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10009342/1827801-wlxy-wl-esd-durable-steel-tweezers-set-6-pcsScrewdriver set (contains all the bits you need to open up pretty much any screws!):https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002669/2285300-huijiaqi-no-8921-53-in-1-precision-screwdriverMicro Nippers:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10009316/3825601-authentic-santus-st-109-5-wire-cuttersDiagonal Cutters:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10010005/1880905-best-5-alloy-steel-pvc-diagonal-side-cuttingCable outer insulation remover:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002624/1195500-network-and-connection-wire-cutter-toolsSet of heatshrink tubing:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10021482/7843300-heat-shrink-tubing-wire-cable-sleeving-wrap-tubeKapton tape:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10012975/2187001-kapton-polyimide-high-temperature-resistantElectrical tape:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10009892/1868503-3m-1500-pvc-electrical-insulation-adhesive-tapeUtility Knife:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10022130/4781600-lodestar-l612303-high-carbon-steel-cuttingSeveral things to note:1. In order to cleanup flux residue, you should be using IPA (isopropyl alcohol) of preferably 90% purity or higher (along with q-tips)2.Both the soldering & hot air stations I mentioned are worldwide compatible (electricity wise, both do 110-240V)You just need to use the correct micky mouse/IEC cable for your country.3. Solder paste has to be refrigerated after opening!If you don't wanna use your actual fridge, you could just get this small USB one for this purpose:https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10033047/7240601-2-in-1-mini-usb-fridge-freezer-refrigeratorYou don't have to plug it into a computer USB port (any 5V phone charger with a USB port would do!)4. The microscope is of great quality, in fact, Dave did a review about it back in the day, which you can see here:Alternatively, there's also the G600 around the same price (and there are two versions of it, one with a plastic stand and another with a metal one) and it also has a built-in 4.3" display (but it doesn't come even remotely close to the Andonstar in terms of color reproduction and sharpness!) so I wouldn't go with that one.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2018, 10:54:43 pm
content: Quote from: Jane on February 16, 2018, 09:36:06 pmThat is correct (FX-951 is the power & control unit, and it comes with the FM-2027 iron, stand, heat pad, and brass wool cleaner).The FM-2032 (iron only or kit) is an additional option.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2018, 12:42:52 am
content: Some documents that might be of interest.From Hakko:WHAT WATTS, WHAT?SOLDERING STATION SPECIFICATIONS - WHAT DO THEY MEAN?HAPPY TIP TIPSFlux residues and what to do about themFrom JBC:Soldering TemperaturesThe JBC Exclusive Heating SystemIn regard to consumables, don't cheap out. Not only will you get better results, it'll save money and aggravation as well by purchasing quality stuff (solder, wick, flux, solder paste).

author: Teledog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2018, 08:39:16 pm
content: Repairs?Pre-heater & hot air gun, with kapton tape &/or metal cans surrounding the repair.And two JBC with fine tips, two-handed/in unison, for manipulating the passives. It takes practice, but works well.Don't forget the rosin flux pen.

author: Jane
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2018, 09:03:12 pm
content: JBC is more expensive than Hakko. And for less money I get more when buying Hakko( as I could learn from the review)

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2018, 11:52:59 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on February 15, 2018, 10:05:19 pmAbout the same, with a WSD160 added because of SMD power devices. I also use the WTA50 for clean removal, which is very important, as you damage pads easily when improvising here.I think that I will skip the WMP and go for the WMRS next.You could use any of the 80W capable stations in place of the WSL (PU80, WD1, WD2M, PU81..)My preheater is a recycled heating pad from a chemistry lab.I have access to some JCB stations, but most of the time this does it.

author: Teledog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2018, 12:24:56 am
content: Ididget a good eBay deal on a couple of older (rarely used) analog JBC stations.The tip removal/replacement is at an angle, not like the new vertical thing on the digital units

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2018, 12:52:32 am
content: Quote from: Neomys Sapiens on February 17, 2018, 11:52:59 pmFWIW, the WMP is discontinued, and has been replaced by theWP65.It's tips are held in a retainer tube like that of the WP80 (retainer tip includes the grip). Much nicer IMHO than mine where the tip is spot welded to a tube that screws up inside the handle.