Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #01573
To: TurtleTek@aol.com
From: "Sathe Dilip" sathe_dilip@bah.com
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 10:11:27 -0500
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: Soldering Iron Quality
TurtleTek@aol.com wrote:
>
> Greetings List,
>
> Now, about my iron. I use possible the crappiest iron out there. When getting
> starting in electronics, I bought that little collection on tools at
> RadioShack, called the "Starters set" or something like that. It included a
> little 120 volt, 30 watt "pen" soldering iron. I still use it, even now. You
> can't tell me that a $150 iron is no better then what I'm using.
SNIP
> Sorry if this seems a little angry but I can't help thinking that RAT SHACK
> HAS SCREWED ME OVER AGAIN!
Preaching mode on: (nothing personal but....)
I think the technique has more to do with it. I have two soldering
irons. Both purchased from Radio shack. One was $ 3.50 and the other
about $ 10 when on sale. The latter has a finer tip which I have used
even for some SMD work. So far I have never had to complain about the
joint quality.
Choosing the right wattage and tip for the job at hand contributes to
more than 50% of the success. Rest is a feel you get and learn by
practice (as to how much to wait while heating the joint, when to remove
the iron & solder wire etc.)
I also use inexpensive multimeters and other tools. Having better tools
helps but they are not necessary especially when we are talking about a
hobby (and a hobby which thrives on techno-junk & like). I like to
increase the fun to expense ratio as much as I can by reducing the
expenses.
Preaching mode off
Dilip
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