Soldering Iron - Help!
 

Sorry if there is a thread on this already, -can't seem to find one though.

I have been using the same Weller $15 soldering iron for years (about 10yrs) for my RC soldering needs. Its always done fine, sure there is no heat adjustment, but its heated solder up just fine.

Recently I noticed that it will melt solder new from the package, however once the solder is set it takes forever to re-heat that solder (thats been set). Its become really difficult to work with.

2 questions,
1- do these cheapo irons go bad in time (that is they stop getting as hot as they used to)? -yes, I clean the tip of the iron very clean.
2- If I need a new iron, what is a good brand to get that is sub $100 in price. I have heard Hakko (sp?) are good, but not sure what they cost.

I've read that the melting point of solder is around 400*F , ...once its set does it have a higher melting point? curious why I have no problem melting it from the spool but once its set I can not get it to melt again.

thanks!

First, please read through this solder bible and be enlightened :) Probably will have answered your questions better than I can

http://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-el...ef-lesson.html

second, yes cheap solder irons tend to go bad. It is definitely worth it to invest in a good one if you solder often. The Hakko FX888D is one of the best bang for your buck stations you can get without skimping on quality.

...just did some online reading, maybe my tip needs to be replaced? -going to give that a shot. It is an old tip.

Thank you! Will do.

Yes, I am thinking it may be time.

Tips are usually the first thing to go, but I will say a $15 iron is still lacking on the heat holding ability. It might be able to melt the solder, but the heat that is wicked away on contact may be too great for the iron to keep up with enough heat. This is why the adjustable units are so nice in the hobby :)

I'm guessing your iron is maybe 40 watts, probably 30 or so and that just isn't enough when soldering things like motors and esc's. I go for the most wattage and widest tip that will fit what you are working on.
Irons do sometimes go bad, more often it's the tips though. The Hakko type irons and their knockoffs are generally good and will almost surely improve your soldering. The adjustable temperature is usefull too. The melting point of solder doesn't change (except with different alloys of solder) but the thermal mass of what you're soldering does. For example soldering a servo lead versus wires on a motor.

We've used these at work since the beginning of time. I have one for my own personal use as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WES51-...er+solder+iron

yes, that makes sense.
reading up on the "soldering bible" now,

thanks, reading up then will look into a new iron. ;)

wow, that post about soldering is GREAT. ...so glad you sent that!
still reading through it ...good stuff for sure.

Thanks again, that post about soldering is awesome.
In fact I have copied the text and put into a PDF so I can easily refer to it in my workspace.

thinking of getting this one:
TrakPower TK-950 Soldering Station | TowerHobbies.com

its not the Hakko, but it is listed as a recommended iron by the writer of that post. W/ coupon I can get it for 1/2 the price of the Hakko. ...and since I just purchased a $130 ESC the other day my budget is already maxed for the month.

That's a good idea. I think I'll do the same, especially since my son is getting of the age to start soldering.

That is a perfectly fine soldering kit :) You'll be happy with it. I only recommended the Hakko because I love mine and many others do too lol.

..thanks,
Yeah, w/ the new ESC and 2 full racing days this month i've already spent over $200 ...I try to limit what I spend (not that I am cheap), but I have 2 kids my wife and I are supporting --that is where most my $$ goes. ;)

I can respect that mate :) And now with your newfound soldering knowledge and gear, I expect some damn shiny solder joints on your next job lol. Also, look into some solder wick and/or a solder pump if you don't have them already. Cheap tools to keep. They're great for removing excess solder if you get overzealous with the application.