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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: soldering technique

From: "Roy J. Tellason" <rtellason@...>
Date: 2004-05-03

On Monday 03 May 2004 01:03 pm, Stefan Trethan wrote:

> I don't really see why one would want different wattage heaters?

It all depends on what you're working on. I've been working on this stuff for
a ∗LONG∗ time, back when a metal chassis was the norm and vacuum tubes were
the active elements. For some of that stuff I also might drag out my old
Weller soldering ∗gun∗, which is rated at 100/140W.:-)

> I mean if the iron isn't too cumbersome for a really small tip why not
> just reduce the temperature?

And how would you suggest doing that? I'm not talking about a "soldering
station" here, which were still fairly pricey when I was buying this stuff.
I'm talking about the ∗cheap∗ stuff. And a reduction in temperature was
accomplished by placing a diode in series with the iron, running it at half
power...