Actions
Engagement
  • Author Author: Matt
  • Date Created: Date Created
  • Last Updated Last Updated:
  • Views 6517 views
  • Likes 11 likes
  • Comments 23 comments
Related
Recommended

Considerations for Solder Station Upgrades -- Workbench Wednesdays 03

image
Considerations for Solder Station Upgrades

element14 Presents  |  Bald Engineer: James Lewis' VCP Profile |  Project Videos

 

After a multimeter, a soldering iron is the most useful tool in electronics. In this episode, James looks at potential upgrades to your soldering station. Whether you currently don't have a soldering iron or even if you have a complete re-work station, this video introduces you to possible upgrade options.

Do you have questions or other ideas on the best soldering equipment for your work bench?  Share them in the comments below.

 

Featured Parts (Thanks to our friends at Weller for providing these!):

 

Part

Hobbyist Soldering Station (WLC-200)

Buy NowBuy Now
Soldering Station, WE Series (WE1010)Buy NowBuy Now
Soldering Station (WES51)Buy NowBuy Now
Soldering Station Power Supply, For Weller WX Soldering System (WX1N)Buy NowBuy Now
Dual Control Unit For Weller Hot Air Pencil (WXA2N)Buy NowBuy Now
Soldering Station Power Supply (WXR3N)Buy NowBuy Now
Low Voltage Soldering Iron (WXP120WXP120 )Buy NowBuy Now
Desoldering Tweezer, Micro, for use with WX Series Soldering Stations (WX MTMS)Buy NowBuy Now
Low Voltage Soldering Iron (WXP65)Buy NowBuy Now

  • I enjoyed the video and I am new to soldering.  I am looking at getting a Weller WE1010 in the near future, but right now I am just de-soldering parts from salvaged electronic items.  For beginning de-soldering is a inexpensive plug in firestarter an ok tool with soldering braid or a de-solder pump?  I like that rework station you showed and it seems like it has a lot of nifty tools that make it beneficial.  But with it's price it is a long way off.  The bad thing is that the tips and everything I would use on the Weller WE1010 are not compatible with the Weller WXR3.  Any advice on which way to go since I will be soldering, de-soldering, and possibly repairing some motherboard/circuit boards?

  • in reply to mayermakes

    Oki, short version: wick is what I use for and stuff and smaller (2.54mm pitch and below) headers, while the sucker pen is for larger pools I need to remove, like for power supply transformers with those huge plated holes. 90% of the time I'll finish off cleaning out those holes with the braid/wick after removing as much solder as possible.

     

    I'll get some pictures to illustrate the difference tomorrow wren I get back to the office

  • I´d like to see a comparison on desoldering tools, wick vs manual pump vs automatic pump etc...
    showing which is best for a particular job.

    and a general guide on which solder to use in certain cases, would be helpfull so you don´t waste money on th wrong kind of solder.