Homebrew PCBs

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...