Re: Soldering Iron Recommends

On Feb 16, 11:29 am, surgeonB <bn...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
On Feb 16, 7:44 am, cartra...@xxxxxxxxx wrote:



On Feb 16, 9:14 am, TheKorn <TheK...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Visitor Q <monsterbashpinb...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in news:b01f6dec-f49d-4136-
b386-c1bdc7d09...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:

I need a good soldering iron to work on my pin, can anyone recommend
one? Not sure if this is something I can pick up at Sears or some
other local place?

I'm still working with my first Tenma. Surprised it's lasted so long, but
not arguing and not unhappy about it! :)

(I think I'm going to have to switch it out, as I don't think they make
tips for it anymore. Oh well.)

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Personally, I would recommend Metcal (now called OK International)
without any reservation. They do cost more than other irons so if you
want cheap, sub-$100, then this isn't it. This is a system with a
base station (like Weller, etc) so it's harder to use in a cabinet
like any other base station device. But, I can't recommend it more
(especially for board work). What really makes them great is that
they use RF energy to heat the tip as opposed to resistive like most
irons. The first effect is that it heats almost instantly on power
up. The real benefit is that the tip is cooler. Most irons have to
have a hotter tip to be able to handle the heat dump that occurs when
you touch the tip to the cold metal since it takes the iron time to
respond. The RF method reacts almost instantly so it temp can be
cooler.

Why do you want a cooler tip? it's harder to lift traces and destroy
pads with a cooler iron.

If you do alot of electronic work, especially boards, just my 2
cents...
Jaz- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I got a OKI PS 800E on the internet last year for less than a Weller.
I compared it head to head when I got it  to the WES51 and it was much
easier to use.  I also let my friend who does more board work compare
it to his Weller and he came to the same conclusion.  It is ready to
use faster and transfers energy faster.  It is made for assembly line
work in that one changes the tip in order to change the temperature.
Some people asked if it was temperature controlled and generally the
answer is only when you change the tip.  Nonetheless, how often does
one actually change their settings on their soldering stations?  and
the OKI/Metcal keeps the temperature regulated better so the solder
melts faster and is safer for board work.
The one negative is the extra tips are a little more expensive at
approx 8-10 dollars per tip.
I understand that the OKI isn't as popular of a choice here on RGP,
but I give it my recommendation.  I first got the idea to look at
these however when someone posted here on RGP  how much better this RF
technology is than standard soldering stations.

Whatever you do, do not get teh RAdio Shack station...for so many
reasons.  I did because I was in a hurry and regretted it for years.


The OKI looks like a nice piece of equipment...The only negative for
me is the price tag...I had trouble justifying the Weller WES51D at
$115.....The OKI looks to be in the $190 price range.....

Larry
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Soldering Iron Recommends
    ... �They do cost more than other irons so if you ... base station so it's harder to use in a cabinet ... �The real benefit is that the tip is cooler. ... I also let my friend who does more board work compare ...
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  • Re: Soldering Iron Recommends
    ... They do cost more than other irons so if you ... base station so it's harder to use in a cabinet ... (especially for board work). ... technology is than standard soldering stations. ...
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