--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, David McNab <rebirth@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> (For those of us still stuck with manual soldering)
>
> I've just been trying out a cheap (USD$18) gas-powered soldering iron
> (actually USD$14.50 with trade discount).
>
> First impressions are excellent - beats the hell out of my mains
> electric iron. Goes even better after filing the tip to a sharp fine
> point. Surprisingly, it easily gets enough heat to the very tip to melt
> solder quickly and make a fine clean joint. I'm getting performance
> comparable to or better than the Weller stations I've used in the past.
>
> This kicks down another barrier to my eventual move to SMD.
>
One thing to be aware of, a cordless iron is not grounded like the
better corded units such as the temp controlled Wellers are (those are
my favorite too). It's ok but everyone needs to be aware of it and
take extra static precations. Grounded workstation and grounded user
should suffice.
Incedently, I have an iso-tip and I like it just for that reason. I
actually had to solder on things that are hot on occasion ... can't do
that with the Weller!
The Iso-Tip does a great job too but their good irons aren't cheap and
neither are the tips (that's the real drag). Nice irons though.
Bert