Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
I used several Weller solder stations thru the years. I just retired to the garage, a model WCC for which I can no longer find tips. I had one tip about 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide chisel point that was great for very heavy soldering of large metal objects (actually too much for a PL-259). Lost it last fall outside. But I finally just tired out of trying to keep a tin on the old point that I used for sm soldering (typ 0805 and 1206 size). My dog and my wife were tired of my rant against the old POS. So I sent my $300 to a Amazon.com vendor and bought a brand new Hakko FX-951, with three tips: T15-ILS conical (for I know not what), T115-D12 (for most sm work), and T15DL52 with 1/4-inch chisel for heavy-duty (incl PL-259's). I have built two pc boards in the two weeks I have had the new solder station and it is amazing. Both boards are major projects with over 100 components. I dial in the temperature exactly to what I want and the unit maintains that while soldering; not just a rheostat but a full feedback temp control. Even soldering some filter cans to the ground plane of the pcb was done well with the D12; previous use of the WCC was total muck-up cold soldering which required using the 3/8-inch tip to get good flow. I like the wire tip cleaner vs using a wet sponge. It keeps tip bright and ready. I do a quick plunge-swipe before each sm component is soldered. I've found with a little experimentation that 670F works well for sm with 60/40 solder. The T15-DL52 seems very hot at this temp, making quick work of heavier items. But if you are not a person that uses a solder iron a lot, the Weller probably is a reasonable choice. If You build a lot or for work, then the FX-951 is what you want! I have no desire to go back to Weller. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Kits made by KL7UW Dubus Mag business: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
To Ed and all the others who responded to my query. I weighed all your ideas and bought a Weller WESD51. Nice unit and does have var temp. So far works well. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill On Jun 6, 2014, at 3:48 PM, Edward R Cole kl...@acsalaska.net wrote: I used several Weller solder stations thru the years. I just retired to the garage, a model WCC for which I can no longer find tips. I had one tip about 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide chisel point that was great for very heavy soldering of large metal objects (actually too much for a PL-259). Lost it last fall outside. But I finally just tired out of trying to keep a tin on the old point that I used for sm soldering (typ 0805 and 1206 size). My dog and my wife were tired of my rant against the old POS. So I sent my $300 to a Amazon.com vendor and bought a brand new Hakko FX-951, with three tips: T15-ILS conical (for I know not what), T115-D12 (for most sm work), and T15DL52 with 1/4-inch chisel for heavy-duty (incl PL-259's). I have built two pc boards in the two weeks I have had the new solder station and it is amazing. Both boards are major projects with over 100 components. I dial in the temperature exactly to what I want and the unit maintains that while soldering; not just a rheostat but a full feedback temp control. Even soldering some filter cans to the ground plane of the pcb was done well with the D12; previous use of the WCC was total muck-up cold soldering which required using the 3/8-inch tip to get good flow. I like the wire tip cleaner vs using a wet sponge. It keeps tip bright and ready. I do a quick plunge-swipe before each sm component is soldered. I've found with a little experimentation that 670F works well for sm with 60/40 solder. The T15-DL52 seems very hot at this temp, making quick work of heavier items. But if you are not a person that uses a solder iron a lot, the Weller probably is a reasonable choice. If You build a lot or for work, then the FX-951 is what you want! I have no desire to go back to Weller. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Kits made by KL7UW Dubus Mag business: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to n...@widomaker.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
In the WTCPT If you want to change the temperature you will have to change the tip. I have been using the WESD51 which has a knob adjustable temperature setting. During the build of my K3 being able to adjust the temp based on what I was soldering was very handy. I have never had a bad experience with a Weller bench soldering station. I used to abuse them heavily professionally and they worked great. Eric WB7SDE On Thu, Jun 5, 2014, at 10:16 AM, Nr4c wrote: Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to e...@evross.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
Bill, Absolutely bulletproof... I have owned one for over fifteen years and have built three K2's with it. Superb for its price point - ~$140-$150. It is ESD safe, has over 35 different tips in the 600, 700, and 800 degree heat-range, a quick disconnect plug for the iron on the power unit, etc... for quick change of irons. It seems Weller has supported them forever. Replacement parts, which I have never needed, except for tips, are readily available from electronic equipment suppliers. 73 John W8UL On 6/5/2014 1:16 PM, Nr4c wrote: Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to w...@insight.rr.com - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4592 / Virus Database: 3955/7625 - Release Date: 06/05/14 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
I'm using a WESD51 station as well and like it. Turn the knob to change the temp is nice. Also huge number of tips available... __ Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS w2...@arrl.net On Jun 5, 2014, at 2:07 PM, John W. Tipka w...@insight.rr.com wrote: Bill, Absolutely bulletproof... I have owned one for over fifteen years and have built three K2's with it. Superb for its price point - ~$140-$150. It is ESD safe, has over 35 different tips in the 600, 700, and 800 degree heat-range, a quick disconnect plug for the iron on the power unit, etc... for quick change of irons. It seems Weller has supported them forever. Replacement parts, which I have never needed, except for tips, are readily available from electronic equipment suppliers. 73 John W8UL On 6/5/2014 1:16 PM, Nr4c wrote: Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to w...@insight.rr.com - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4592 / Virus Database: 3955/7625 - Release Date: 06/05/14 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to sla...@nullserv.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
My WTCPT wore out (base cracked, etc.) after 15-20 years; still usable but ... . I looked around and ended up replacing it with the WESD51 for the reasons cited below. As I recall the price was about the same because the WTCPT is now out of production. Phil W7OX On 6/5/14, 10:52 AM, Eric Ross wrote: In the WTCPT If you want to change the temperature you will have to change the tip. I have been using the WESD51 which has a knob adjustable temperature setting. During the build of my K3 being able to adjust the temp based on what I was soldering was very handy. I have never had a bad experience with a Weller bench soldering station. I used to abuse them heavily professionally and they worked great. Eric WB7SDE On Thu, Jun 5, 2014, at 10:16 AM, Nr4c wrote: Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill _ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
The problem with this model is the lack of a temperature control. I much prefer the Hakko brand. 73, Gary K9GS div Original message /divdivFrom: Nr4c n...@widomaker.com /divdivDate:06/05/2014 12:16 PM (GMT-06:00) /divdivTo: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net /divdivSubject: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta? /divdiv /divIs this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to garyk...@wi.rr.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
Hi all Like most here, we have never had the option with temperature control. Personally, you don't really require it. I think my current station (I have a few) is at 400 and I just touch it. I've soldered everything from SMT to PL259s with the same iron WTCPT. Sometimes I even think to change the tip. There are many great video's on how to solder, but the key is just watching for the flow. Using lots of flux does help too (if you like). There are 2 key issues I have seen people do. Not enough heat resulting in a cold solder joint. Too much heat and you burn the board. Watch for your solder to flow and then get in and get out. Mike va3mw On Thu, Jun 5, 2014 at 2:46 PM, garyk9gs garyk...@wi.rr.com wrote: The problem with this model is the lack of a temperature control. I much prefer the Hakko brand. 73, Gary K9GS div Original message /divdivFrom: Nr4c n...@widomaker.com /divdivDate:06/05/2014 12:16 PM (GMT-06:00) /divdivTo: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net /divdivSubject: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta? /divdiv /divIs this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to garyk...@wi.rr.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to va...@portcredit.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
The best George, W6GF On Thursday, June 5, 2014 10:48 AM, Nr4c n...@widomaker.com wrote: Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to georgefrit...@yahoo.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
Higher temps when doing through hole soldering can allow one to get off the joint faster, thus not imparting as much heat into the board or component as might occur when dwelling with a cooler tip. At least that's been the jist or several articles I've read. I also think it's important to match the size of the tip, as well as the tip configuration, to what's being soldered; and when soldering something like 10 gauge wire to a pad or connector, it's important to have a tip with enough mass to hold the desired tip temp for the time needed to effect a good joint. Having a handful of tip sizes shapes available for not much expense is an advantage with the Hakko, especially if using the station for many types of projects. I have an older Ungar 300 with a large tip that I used for building R/C car battery packs, but tips are impossible to find now. I thought that had kind of become the case with Weller as well. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Jun 5, 2014, at 12:03 PM, Michael Walker va...@portcredit.net wrote: Hi all Like most here, we have never had the option with temperature control. Personally, you don't really require it. I think my current station (I have a few) is at 400 and I just touch it. I've soldered everything from SMT to PL259s with the same iron WTCPT. Sometimes I even think to change the tip. There are many great video's on how to solder, but the key is just watching for the flow. Using lots of flux does help too (if you like). There are 2 key issues I have seen people do. Not enough heat resulting in a cold solder joint. Too much heat and you burn the board. Watch for your solder to flow and then get in and get out. Mike va3mw On Thu, Jun 5, 2014 at 2:46 PM, garyk9gs garyk...@wi.rr.com wrote: The problem with this model is the lack of a temperature control. I much prefer the Hakko brand. 73, Gary K9GS div Original message /divdivFrom: Nr4c n...@widomaker.com /divdivDate:06/05/2014 12:16 PM (GMT-06:00) /divdivTo: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net /divdivSubject: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta? /divdiv /divIs this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill= __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
Howdy Gang: I had a Weller WTCPT soldering station for several years...it performed well. Several years ago I decided to try a Hakko 936 soldering station (based largely on excellent reports posted to the QRP-Lists. The 936 was an excellent performer...when the new digital FX888D station came out I decided to buy it. This is an excellent soldering station ala the 936 and I have had very good results with the unit. Again, based on comments posted to the QRP-Lists I bought a couple of replacement tips from Plato. The Plato tips are superb and will be the only tips I buy from now on. Best of luck in your choice. 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore I am __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
FWIW, the FX-888D, at a MSRP of $107.47, or about $92 from Amazon, is ESD safe, has a DIN plug connected hand piece that will accept 30 available tips, all of which can be temp controlled between 120 899 °F. It also accepts a hot tweezers for SMD work, and offers five user selectable preset temps. http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=49PID=5085Page=1 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Jun 5, 2014, at 11:07 AM, John W. Tipka w...@insight.rr.com wrote: Bill, Absolutely bulletproof... I have owned one for over fifteen years and have built three K2's with it. Superb for its price point - ~$140-$150. It is ESD safe, has over 35 different tips in the 600, 700, and 800 degree heat-range, a quick disconnect plug for the iron on the power unit, etc... for quick change of irons. It seems Weller has supported them forever. Replacement parts, which I have never needed, except for tips, are readily available from electronic equipment suppliers. 73 John W8UL On 6/5/2014 1:16 PM, Nr4c wrote: Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT soldering sta....?
You guys got me thinking that I bought my Hakko 936 in 2004 to build a newly purchased K2. So, I have had it for ten years. It has been in the yard, on the roof and all over the property working on various antenna projects as well as a bunch of bench work. It has performed well, while suffering unspeakable mistreatment, without a complaint for 10 years now. Maybe it's time for an upgrade so I bought a Hakko FX-888D this afternoon from Amazon, the 936 deserves a retirement. Well, it will be a semi-retirement (it will be my garage soldering iron for the rest of its days). Thanks alot, you guys cost me a c-note today!! Bob K6GGO FWIW, the FX-888D, at a MSRP of $107.47, or about $92 from Amazon, is ESD safe, has a DIN plug connected hand piece that will accept 30 available tips, all of which can be temp controlled between 120 899 °F. It also accepts a hot tweezers for SMD work, and offers five user selectable preset temps. http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=49PID=5085Page=1 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Jun 5, 2014, at 11:07 AM, John W. Tipka w...@insight.rr.com wrote: Bill, Absolutely bulletproof... I have owned one for over fifteen years and have built three K2's with it. Superb for its price point - ~$140-$150. It is ESD safe, has over 35 different tips in the 600, 700, and 800 degree heat-range, a quick disconnect plug for the iron on the power unit, etc... for quick change of irons. It seems Weller has supported them forever. Replacement parts, which I have never needed, except for tips, are readily available from electronic equipment suppliers. 73 John W8UL On 6/5/2014 1:16 PM, Nr4c wrote: Is this a good gen purpose soldering station? Good or bad? Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to rwf...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
