I'm a soldering junkie... Here's my stash & info

[SiBurning]

I have a thread on another web site that's sort of a blog of my collection of soldering stations. It's not very helpful for beginners, but there's some good information there, especially towards the end, or if you read between the lines. It's particularly useful for people looking to upgrade to a better station--again--especially if you read between the lines and generalize the comments & feedback.

There's a bunch of links to more serious work near the end of the thread. I'd particularly refer to posts #62 and #63. In fact, I'd say even beginners would be repaid reading those posts and following the links.

Rather than post an URL to another web site, just search the web for "collect soldering stations". I have the same user name there.

I'm starting a new thread because it tends to generate questions, and people here might not be members over there. Feel free to follow up here.

FYI Just because I have all those stations, doesn't make me an electronics expert. Nope! Just a hobbyist with a minor tool fetish.

Part of my collection

 

[perlionsmitnick]

Wow ! Are you sure you aren't a soldering junkie hooked on ?

There is, lucky for you, help. Everyone has his/her occasional setback.

 

[SiBurning]

Thanks. I've followed up.

 

[perlionsmitnick]

Thanks. I've followed up.

You won't regret it. lol Nice collection btw. How well does the smd hot air pencil work?

My apologies for the drug reference moderators.

 

[SiBurning]

The pyramid is either broken or just plain useless. Neither enough heat nor enough air. The one behind it works fine. Not sure I like that method of soldering, though. It's very easy to blow solder pellets (from the paste) around. Can't really see them either except under magnification.

This is my first SMD attempt with the pyramid.

 

[P1NkY]

Metcal SSTS-001 FTW!!!

I own one and simply LOVE IT!
Don't have the solder spool holder, tho.
Which is why I have a few broken spools (they don't survive too many drops, LOL)!

Maybe a tad over the top, but still, great setup!

 

[SiBurning]

Nice station!

I have a Metcal MX-500. It's in the picture under that double spool (and key) holder. Metcal's technology is fantastic for some things. Compared to my Hakkos, it's marginally faster in use, and is noticeably more precise in heat application, which produces a marginally cleaner joint, and makes for a cleaner job in smaller uses. For SMD and any other light, precision work, it's a clear winner, if not an overwhelming one.

It has down sides, though. The MX line (or any Metcal) is 50-100% more money than a comparably featured Hakko for most reasonable crazy-hobbyist setups (new). It doesn't have the raw wattage, so it doesn't do quite as well with things like 18ga wire wrapped screws in old audio equipment. And it doesn't have variable temperature. You can get a partially duplicate set of tips, but that has to get factored into my hypothetical cost, and there's only 3 temperatures available which eliminates it for the odd low temperature tasks.

This is comparing a 40W Metcal vs. a 70W Hakko. The new MX-5000 really beefs up the raw output to 80W, so they probably toast my Hakkos. OTOH, Hakko just came out with a dual coil carto... iron that fits their dual channel stations, so the new comparison is 80W vs 140W. For folks not familiar with Metcal's technology, it's exactly the same difference as before, just doubled. Yes, the Metcals are that efficient.

 

[MadmanMacguyver]

all me and my friend the Ex TI Dallas Technician can say is DROOL...

and I do most of my soldering w a snapon 250 watt gun...one quick tap...
she still wonders how I do it w/o killing components...

 

[P1NkY]

@SiBurning: I thought it was an STSS, LOL. Took a closer look and saw the dual ports and little "shelf" on the top left where the power switch is.
Metcal IS expensive, though. Luckily, mine was a gift, and came with loads of different tips, solder, extra handle and workstand.
My biggest gripe with Metcal tips is that their cladding is way too thin. Once it wears off the tip is pretty much useless, and it usually starts at the very tip (turns gray or black and won't take solder there). I hate that.
I do love how you can turn it on and seven seconds later just solder away!
My mainstay tip is the STTC-140 angled tip. SMT or through hole, it does it all very well.
I haven't run into a job too big for it, though. An 800 degree chisel tip is pretty danged hot!

@MadmanMacguyver: LOL@snapon250wattgun! I have to use that occasionally at my current job to splice heavy guage wires and install brushes on alternators and starters. You must have "the magic touch", to be able to mod with that beast! The chiseled tip at the end of that monstrosity is about 8mm wide!!!
I salute you, sir!

 

[MadmanMacguyver]

it was my first snapon tool...I have made 20 diff tips for it myself for diff purposes...many of us cannot afford a nice soldering station and due to a combination of Aspergers and adhd I have no patience to wait for an iron to warm up...and yes I seem to be very good at knowing just how much to tap a component or a trace on a board to melt the solder I will not use it for smd tho...for that I have a nice modded toaster oven for reflow work...I used to long ago but my hands are not that steady any more...just imagine an old Chrysler transmission computer with a mercury vapor light above it and a goofy lookin dude sitting there w a soldering gun tapping it occasionally then looking to see that it did its job...my boss paid me 100 per computer I fixed...not bad for 20 min work...

you guys w the nice toys...once again DROOL!!!!!!sigh maybe someday...and welcome to the world of ecig modding SiBurning

 

[kidbeaster]

I bought a Weller WES51 Soldering Station 372-145 For building the crossovers on my speaker builds. Its simple VERY fast heat up.

I also like using WBT 0800 Silver Solder 4% Silver Content 1/8 lb. 093-586. The solder has a low melting point.

 

[kidbeaster]

I forgot I posted this already.

 

[jimbalny]

I <3 my new hakko fx-888

I thought I just wasn't that good at soldering when I just had my radioshack piece of junk. Turns out, just like anything, the right tool makes all the difference.

 

[D. Waterhouse]

I <3 my new hakko fx-888

I thought I just wasn't that good at soldering when I just had my radioshack piece of junk. Turns out, just like anything, the right tool makes all the difference.

I've been drooling over the Hakko for a while now, Just can't seem to get the desire/money curve to work out.

 

[P1NkY]

I love the compactness of that Hakko kit, and the fact it weighs less than a third of what my Metcal does!
I loathe having to transport it anywhere, so I generally fall back on my trusty Weller pencil iron.
I only wish that Hakko would release the other 3 colors in the US; that red one just screams "Buy me!" LOL

 

[DonG]

Been eyeballing this one. Just havent had the cash to pull the trigger.

Velleman LAB1U 3-in-1 Lab Unit 370-400

Variable soldering iron+DVOM meter+adjustable dc power supply. Seems like an ideal combonation for a modders bench.

 

[P1NkY]

Been eyeballing this one. Just havent had the cash to pull the trigger.

Velleman LAB1U 3-in-1 Lab Unit 370-400

Variable soldering iron+DVOM meter+adjustable dc power supply. Seems like an ideal combonation for a modders bench.

My first reaction was "Damn, that is one good-looking kit; nice find!"
But then I read the reviews and (IMO) it's not worth $150 it if the quality isn't up to par.
The "all in one" idea is pretty cool, though; wow factor indeed!
I wonder how it'd look with a digital oscilloscope and signal generator added in?

 

[Puffythegun]

Love my Hakko's they get the job done.

 

[jimbalny]

that vellemen just seems like too much all-in-one. i like being able to take my multimeter off my work bench. speaking of which, i just bought myself one for doing my experimenting/modding in my bedroom. which i like cuz theres no computer in my garage for following arduino tutorials and whatnot.

got it from lowes/put it together this weekend as a bday gift to myself. was a pain to put together cuz the screws didnt always wanna thread but a few self-tappers here and there with my impact screw gun and its pretty solid. a lot nicer than a desk as u can stand up and work. had to retro the light to led strips of course.

 

[jimbalny]

i think im a tool junkie... what to do? id better clean myself up. dont wanna be living in a cardboard box.. thered be nothing to fix!