very cool. being a tech the quality of tools can make a job so much better.
i dont solder, but i hear you...the globby bulky solder guns verse the fine tips, verse the super hot that can do damage versus a lower watt with the correct solder ....smooth
looks clean and sharp. $35 and some solder time!
Couple of misconceptions in there CC...if I may?...
Agreed, solder guns are fit only for use on cars and bikes but you cannot really have "too hot" a solder iron. To be more accurate it is the power rating that matters more than the actual tip temperature* For general PCB work, even down to SMT (!) you need a 50W iron (the Hakko I used was 80W) as a minimum.
Reason? A lower heat capacity will be cooled by the job, (pot cans but I HATE the practice! Use 20G bare wire!!) this means you will need to leave the bit on the job longer thus allowing heat to travel further and cause possible damage.
While I am here I might as well drone on about soldering in general!
Keep it clean! The tip of the bit that is. Allow to come up to temp' then tin then wipe. NOT on a damp sponge tho!
Use either brass wool or, my fave, kitchen paper. Once clean tin again and have at it.
Keep up the tin/wipe/tin regime throughout the soldering process. When done, wipe, flood the tip with solder then DO NOT wipe but allow to cool.
Al this is to keep the tip from oxidising, goes black and useless. NEVER file or sand the bit!! That will remove the Iron plating and make it very hard to use. If the tip does go black you can buy a tiny tin of cleaner but it is very aggressive so use very infrequently.
If you MUST solder to a pot tin or similar surface, file off the plating to get to the underlying copper ('er emery boards work well!) If soldering to new stripboard (Vero) or PCB scrub the copper with a PCB cleaner block or a plastic pan scourer. Once bright, clean with ISOPROPA or meths.
*Lead free solder need a higher
perature than Tin/Lead 60/40 but I would urge hobbyists to seek out the old stuff. Much easier to use and especially if you work on old kit/cable/ less chance of melting things!
Lead solder IS safe if you refrain from eating, drinking and smoking when slobbering and wash hands after. Naturally keep all such materials away from kids and pets.
Dave.