[sdiy] SDIY xmas gifts??

[John Luciani]

On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 11:42 AM, David Betz <dbetz at xlisper.com> wrote:
> On Dec 4, 2008, at 2:00 PM, John Luciani wrote:
>
>>>>> 4. A GOOD soldering iron (with temp control,etc)
>>>>
>>>> Metcal SP200 from HMC Electronics ~ $220 (new). You could check ebay.
>
> Since the Metcal SP-200 seems to cost over $300 now I'm wondering if anyone
> here has had experience with the Metcal PS-900. It is only a little over
> $200 without a tip. Does anyone know how it compares with the SP-200?
>
> Also, what size tip is best for mostly through-hole soldering with the
> occasional SMT device?

The Metcal irons have a very quick response time so you use
a smaller tip. I use the 20mil tip for TH and SMD (pitches down to 0.5mm).
The tip part number is SSC-754A (30deg bend, 20mil wide).
I little larger for some of the TH stuff would be nice but it is
not a problem. Pictures of the typical boards that I build are
at www.wiblocks.com

(* jcl *)

--
http://www.wiblocks.com
http://www.luciani.org