Chuck 21

iTrader: (1)

60 watt will get up to 900 quicker and hold the heat even when soldering
a big thick object. A big thick object will suck the heat right out of a 40
watt station. In the wind out door at the track the 40 watt won't solder
anything a 60 watt will be better & 80 watt kicks butt in the wind.

I hope I'm posting clear enough about this. Typing sucks to explain things
LOL"

Enjoy your R/C racing...

TAMAK

iTrader: (29)

Temperature will only go so far.... The melting point of solder is around 361F. The Wattage will provide that temperature longer when the tip is applied to a heat sink. Also having the temperature too hot could cause damage to that sensitive esc.

I like having an adjustable solder station so I can solder smaller wires without worrying about damaging the insulation etc. Thats why the wall plug in kind is no good IMHO.

But too answer your question, the 60 watter can handle a larger heat sink.

ChrisAttebery

iTrader: (121)

IMHO 900 degrees is too hot. I used to use a 650-700F tip all the time (on a temperature controlled station). 60/40 solder melts at around 400F.

You need a higher wattage iron because it will recover its temperature quicker than a lower wattage model. When you are heating up a large wire or battery the tip's temperature will drop. A heavier iron will recover faster and you won't have to heat soak the parts for as long.

Doxiedad

iTrader: (29)

thanks for the replies. it makes sense now. I'll spend the extra $20 and order either the Hakko 936 or TC 950.

I also need some solder and flux and i should be set.

Doxiedad

iTrader: (29)

What about solder guns? How are they to use?

Weller 8200

TAMAK

iTrader: (29)

Thats Old school.... I would stick with the Team Checkpoint or Hako. Be sure to order some decent size tips.

Doxiedad

iTrader: (29)

ok what's a decent size tip for them? (total noob i now LOL )

TAMAK

iTrader: (29)

I think the Team Checkpoint comes with two. You should be okay.

Duster_360

iTrader: (21)

I have one of those - is the 1st soldering iron I bought - I used to assemble Heath kit amplifiers for people about 35yrs ago. Its a good gun for electronics where things are small - mine still works. But the tip isn't big enough for RC work - the heat gets sucked right out of it and you wait and wait for it to heat back up. I tried using mine and when I 1st came back to the hobby and the solder joints weren't good enough. I had to do too many solder joints over again using the iron.

A 60watt iron with a medium tip is what you need. It holds enough heat to do the job.

jaggededge

iTrader: (2)

$500 for a weller? No thanks.. maybe if it was my profession.
I use this one: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...odsInSession=1

Look for them on sale for $65.

tdonily

I have an older 50 watt Weller WES50 that has yet to let me down. Tho it has struggled with some of the larger gauged wire that is more common now as opposed to when I got it. They make a good station if you have access to tips. I'd reccommend one of their digital ESD safe models if possible.

kja812

iTrader: (3)

Don't forget to pickup a range of tip sizes...soldering with the wrong sized tip is like using the wrong screwdriver. $5-7 bucks for Hakko tips I beleive.

Hakko has some pretty good basic info about soldering/tip care in their rc area:http://www.hakkorc.com/rc_936_d.htm

TAMAK

iTrader: (29)

Yeah, the $500 dollar Weller that I use may be overkill...... . But your right it is also used as a manufacturing tool. Anything that is 60W and adjustable will work just fine in this hobby, especially now that we don't have to solder cells anymore. . Anyone need a Venom Pack Builder?

BashemSmashem

iTrader: (42)

I am using that EXACT same gun and its been great for me , it heats up very fast and holds its temp very easily , and I like the fact that its not as bulky as a soldering station and everything fits nicely into the case that comes with it (gun , solder , heatshrink) .

Dont know what Duster is talking about , the tip is plenty big for doing RC type soldering and all of my joints come out very nice .

Bottom line is I personally wouldnt get anything less than 80 watts or better as the higher power irons/guns are easier too solder with and you dont have too heat up the parts as much to get a soild joint and they have no problem soldering larger wire either.

Chuck 21

iTrader: (1)

Always use distilled water on your solder sponge to clean your tip while
soldering. If you can't then at least use bottled drinking water. Tap water
will kill a soldering tip real quick. I've been using the same tip for 20 years
because I use distilled water or bottled water evey time I solder..

PS: I use my soldering station almost every day...

Enjoy your soldering, good luck & have fun with your R/C racing..