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It's not the thermostat but the power output that matters and a slightly more expensive soldering iron will generally have a slightly better power supply. For e
by akiselev 4y ago
It's not the thermostat but the power output that matters and a slightly more expensive soldering iron will generally have a slightly better power supply. For example, the best soldering iron I've ever used is the Metcal fixed temperature inductive soldering station which require changing out the tip alloy to change the temperature (and I've never had to change tips for temp, only shape).
- pclmulqdq 4y agoThe temperature you need is very dependent on the PCB. I have heard of macbook repair techs using 850-900C irons because of the amount of metal in that PCB and its heat dissipation capabilities. I usually end up around 700-750 for hobby projects with 2-4 layer PCBs because I like to do the joints fast.
- fuckstick 4y agoShow me a professional soldering station that goes anywhere near 900C - I think most max out at 500. I doubt the tip alloys could withstand that heat very long. Sounds ridiculous. 700C is excessive for just about anything.
- pclmulqdq 4y agoSorry, I meant 900F, which is almost 500C.
- akiselev 4y agoMetcal fixed temperature soldering irons use RF induction instead of resistive heating elements so they don't struggle with large copper pours like that. The soldering irons you're thinking of have very poor thermal recovery compared to a proper Metcal.
- gw99 4y agoCorrect. Once you go Metcal you don’t go back. When I got divorced the first thing I put on the “mine” list was my Metcal :) You can solder on 0805 parts and switch to soldering bolts onto nuts without changing the tip or any settings.
- snvzz 4y ago>It's not the thermostat but the power output that matters If you have the power without the thermostat, you will reach unsafe temperatures and burn what you're not supposed to burn. PID controllers make a huge difference.