[AH] Trim-pot debacle (ADVICE PLEASE!)

[Simon]

>Hello Brett
>
>>In my experience, any relatively cheap component that has more than 2
>>solder connections to a PCB should be sacrificed (i.e. destroyed) so that
>>you have access to both sides of the PCB.
>>For example, let's say I need to replace a cheap 28-pin IC socket with a
>That is ok, if you replace a standard component, but trimmers or pots are
>often not available in the same size or orientation of the screw. It is not
>only the price...
>
>For unsoldering pots I found the special unsoldering-heads for 8-pin DIL ICs
>very useful. The head reaches all pins at the same time (I use a ERSA
>soldering-station).


Can someone give a beginner (me) a rundown on soldering stations? What they
are, how they work, advantages of, what models are best, etc.? Also what is
a Weller de-soldering station, are they worth looking into?


Thanks
Simon
Canberra
AUSTRALIA