Soldering Station

Home / Forums / Lets talk trains! / Track and electrical/DCC / Soldering Station

Wed, 2012-06-20 04:23 — Dispatcher

I am after suggestions on buying a soldering station. I have used various size soldering irons in the past but I would prefer an adjustable station. Any suggestions on brand, heat range, wattage, etc? It would be used for (in the future) surface mounts (presumably needing a lower heat setting) up to soldering PCB ties to rail. I am after as much information as I can get before deciding on the type to buy.

TrevorM

My views . . .

Wed, 2012-06-20 09:30 — Bruce Petrarca

were covered in my January column: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2012-01-jan/dcc_impulses

Bruce Petrarca, Mr. DCC; MMR #574

Thanks Bill

Wed, 2012-06-20 09:32 — Bernd

I was just wondering if I was doing something wrong.

Bernd

New York, Vermont & Northern Rwy. - Route of the Black Diamonds

Weller WLC 100

Wed, 2012-06-20 10:19 — JRG1951

Trevor,

I have used the WLC100 both in my hobby and in my professional work. I believe it is the best low cost station around. It is great for electronics and light wiring jobs.

You will need a bigger iron for heavy jobs such as DCC power buss wiring.

Regards,

John

*************************************************************************************************************************

640K ought to be enough for anybody. >> Bill Gates

Bernd and UPWilly

Wed, 2012-06-20 12:01 — Rio Grande Dan

I posted this in my statement, it is a link to what I use as my soldering station and it's on sale:

http://www.all-spec.com/products/WESD51.html

I hope this is what you were looking for.

Dan

Rio Grande Dan

WLC-1000

Wed, 2012-06-20 16:11 — lexon

I have been using the WLC-100 for some time. The pointed conical tip for DCC and SMD stuff with 50 percent power. The standard tip and 70 percent for track feeders.

For SMD stuff, I slather on some silver solder paste that has flux in it made for SMD stuff. Touch with the fine conical tip and the solder nearly instantly flows very nicely. Wash off with alcohol using an acid brush.

Good soldering requires developing a technique.

Rich

Solder gun

Wed, 2012-06-20 16:14 — lexon

Forgot to mention, I use an old Weller gun if I do buss feeders. I slather on the solder paste at the junction and hit it with the gun tip. Nearly instant the solder flows. Don't have to hold the solder roll.

Rich