Soldering Stations needs?

[arisma]

Maybe a great question is:
is it enough having a 11-15W soldering iron(0.5mm tip, for delicate works) and a 30-60W for wires soldering(not huge wires) or is it really needed a soldering station.

Just for heating timing, esd. Can a soldering station makes the same job as a 11w soldering iron?

Regards.

[kalel]

I don't actually have a temperature controlled soldering iron yet, but what kind of work are you planning to do more specifically? Are you starting out and want to try doing some simple circuits and kits?

If so, I believe that you could start with a cheap soldering iron, as even though the temperature is not regulated, I know that they do work. Soldering standard wires
together should not be an issue. But as I don't have a temperature controlled one, I can't tell you how much better/easier it might be to have for doing simple things.

I don't know about ESD, but some simple plug in soldering irons do not have a grounded lead (the plug has 2 contacts only), I would recommend a model with 3 contacts that is grounded.

As multiple people have recommended on YouTube tutorials, conical tips are not the easiest to work with for me either, but what type is best depends on the work being done as well.

A bit unrelated, but whatever iron type you end up using, I found it helps a lot to keep it tinned after each use. When you finish soldering, just apply a small amount of solder and unplug the iron (or unplug it first). This layer will help prevent oxidation and I'm really happy with the results versus not doing so.

[arisma]

Thanks a lot for your answer.

Yes, I just starting now to soldering. For example, I want to solder some wires to the heat bed of a Anet A8 3D Printer(Community said it's recommended).

But of course it could be the beginning of kits and some repairs (just for fun). Mouse or another things to try.

Then if finally it's needed a low wattage iron soldier to avoid break tracks, can be a soldering station a good idea to avoid to have a low wattage iron soldier and 1 higher wattage soldier

Enviado desde mi Oneplus 2 mediante Tapatalk

[nanofrog]

If you're soldering very rarely, you can actually find temperature controlled firesticks (JBC and Antex for example).

But if you're certain you'll:
  1. Do a fair bit of soldering.
  2. Work on a wide variety of jobs (i.e. from thick wire and component leads down to SMD).
You'd be wise to get a temperature controlled station.

Their advantages:

• Won't over-heat the board/trace/pad as easy due to temp control as it only powers up the element when needed to maintain the set temp (feedback control loop).
• Much better tip selection, which is quite important. Check out Hakko's Tip Shape Selection page to see what the different shapes are used for.

FWIW, getting sufficient heat into a joint involves multiple factors, not just wattage. Tip tech (metal slug slid over the element, cartridge types that have the sensor and element embedded in the tip, Curie type designs, ...), good tip selection to get the right shape for the job, and feedback to maintain set temp all factor into it.

[arisma]

Thanks, lot of useful info.

I dont know what i will do, probably it will be rarely o very rarely but i want to be more or less ready.

Actually i have this one

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https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B01HXSMT8M ASIN: B01HXSMT8M
and i am thinking about to buy a JBC 14ST (about 44€ plus 12€ of a jbc 0.5mm tip). It´s for that im thinking about a soldering station, because i may need it to work with thin/thick wire or maybe component leads, (smd sounds too far xd).

So, about 56€ maybe its close to any BBB soldering station(damn 220v).

Regards.

[nanofrog]

...[snip]...i am thinking about to buy a JBC 14ST (about 44€ plus 12€ of a jbc 0.5mm tip). It´s for that im thinking about a soldering station, because i may need it to work with thin/thick wire or maybe component leads, (smd sounds too far xd).

If you're looking at JBC, I'd suggest considering an SL2020.

But keep in mind, you could get a T12 station that has decent performance (example). Do note that it doesn't come with a stand or tip cleaner (brass wool or sponge), but that can be had inexpensively (personally, I'd suggest a Hakko 633-01).

And you'd even be able to use genuine Hakko T15 series tips with it (thicker plating = lasts a lot longer; as in 10+ years with proper tip care    ).

[arisma]

I´m thinking about JBC for something as 14ST or 40ST(i dont know why 30ST exists) plus my actual soldering iron.

Of course i like SL2020(or Mini TS100, but need power supply(220v)) but its about 90€ here, so i am really thinking about some clone soldering station with T12/T15 tips(maybe now its better t12, i dont know) if its ready for thin/thick wire soldering, some kits(arduino, little projects with motherboard) and maybe smd.

So, if i am going to spend about 40-50€ buying a JBC 14ST maybe there is a soldering station (maybe clone) to use(about 50€). If the real solution is a JBC SL2020, well then i need to think about if it worth it.

PD: And ofc, i like that T12 clone.

[sn4k3]

I would go for a TS100, cheap and very good. Better than that JBC SL2020 and T12 together.
You need 220V, use a laptop charger, they are 220VAC input

[KL27x]

A lot of people have historically said silly things like:

"A temp controlled station is critical so you don't overheat sensitive components."

Unless you spend a lot of time and/or frustration soldering things, you don't need a temp controlled station, no matter what kind of soldering you do.

The main reasons to have one are for the convenience and the tip selection. The convenience is that it will be cooler while in the stand, not being used. So you will have to clean it less often, and you can leave it on all day while working on something complicated. (Debugging/troubleshooting/figuring-out-what-you-did-wrong).

[kalel]

A lot of people have historically said silly things like:

"A temp controlled station is critical so you don't overheat sensitive components."

Unless you spend a lot of time and/or frustration soldering things, you don't need a temp controlled station, no matter what kind of soldering you do.

The main reasons to have one are for the convenience and the tip selection. The convenience is that it will be cooler while in the stand, not being used. So you will have to clean it less often, and you can leave it on all day while working on something complicated. (Debugging/troubleshooting/figuring-out-what-you-did-wrong).

What would help is to have a simple on/off switch you could use (and fix when needed), but I've only seen that on some stations. Not to maintain the exact temperature, but it's easier to use during breaks.

[Gyro]

An old trick is to have an in-line switch with a diode wired across it (safely) to drop the temperature when it's not in use for a while, flipping the switch brings it quickly back to full temperature. Crude but reasonably effective.

[arisma]

I have to say TS100 sounds very well, maybe i already got a laptop charger(not sure about needed plug).

Indeed i found it shipping from my own country(Aliexpress). It could be the final choose if it can do jbc 14st job too. And i dont know if buy just now or wait till Black Friday)

[sn4k3]

I have to say TS100 sounds very well, maybe i already got a laptop charger(not sure about needed plug).

Indeed i found it shipping from my own country(Aliexpress). It could be the final choose if it can do jbc 14st job too. And i dont know if buy just now or wait till Black Friday)

Don't think twice
Where you see a TS100 from aliexpress that ship from spain? I didn't see any there...

It can do jbc 14st job even better, more heat power... it can do almost every commun job, if you need finer tip you have TS-I and TS-ILS, they work very well 
jbc 14st finner tip is 0.5mm

About charger it's recommended to use one with 3 pin with earth connection to AC. DC jack must be 5.5mm x 2.5mm (DC5525). Its the most commun plug, a bunch of laptops use that.
If you can get a 24V power supply you will get the best of it, fast heat, better thermal recovery

Note: I have a T12, TS100 and SL2020. I can tell for sure TS100 easy wins

Black friday most of the time are just scam, they put higher prices and apply the discount to be the same as original product or a bit less. Aliexpress sellers does that everytime in every event. Almost no benefit. Few stores do REAL discounts

[arisma]

3 sites, @sn4k3

2015 version

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https://es.aliexpress.com/store/product/Mini-Portable-65W-Programmable-TS100-Electric-Soldering-Iron-Digital-LCD-Free-shipping-Top-Quality/427290_32687213681.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_3_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10345_10342_10343_10340_10341_10548_10543_10542_10541_10562_10084_10083_10307_10301_10060_10155_10154_10539_10312_10059_10313_10314_10534_10533_100031_10103_10073_5680020_10594_10557_10169_10596_10595_10142_10107,searchweb201603_25,ppcSwitch_5&btsid=20619657-46ed-47ec-85fa-8182b6d4daf6&algo_expid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb-0&algo_pvid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb&rmStoreLevelAB=0
2017 version

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https://es.aliexpress.com/store/product/1pc-Free-Shipping-Brand-New-1-Set-Mini-Portable-65W-Programmable-TS100-Electric-Soldering-Iron-Digital/1966792_32689219813.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_3_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10345_10342_10343_10340_10341_10548_10543_10542_10541_10562_10084_10083_10307_10301_10060_10155_10154_10539_10312_10059_10313_10314_10534_10533_100031_10103_10073_5680020_10594_10557_10169_10596_10595_10142_10107,searchweb201603_25,ppcSwitch_5&btsid=20619657-46ed-47ec-85fa-8182b6d4daf6&algo_expid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb-1&algo_pvid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb&rmStoreLevelAB=0
2017 version, same shop. This one really seems 2017 version

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https://es.aliexpress.com/store/product/2016-Intelligent-Programmable-Electric-Soldering-Iron-Digital-LCD-TS100-Mini-Dual-BC2-Soldering-Iron-Control-Terminal/1966792_32761986277.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_3_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10345_10342_10343_10340_10341_10548_10543_10542_10541_10562_10084_10083_10307_10301_10060_10155_10154_10539_10312_10059_10313_10314_10534_10533_100031_10103_10073_5680020_10594_10557_10169_10596_10595_10142_10107,searchweb201603_25,ppcSwitch_5&btsid=20619657-46ed-47ec-85fa-8182b6d4daf6&algo_expid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb-2&algo_pvid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb&rmStoreLevelAB=0
And finally, 2015 version

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https://es.aliexpress.com/store/product/Calidad-Elegante-1-Unidades-Mini-Port-til-65-W-Programable-TS100-Soldador-El-ctrico-Digital-LCD/1986555_32834433993.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_3_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10345_10342_10343_10340_10341_10548_10543_10542_10541_10562_10084_10083_10307_10301_10060_10155_10154_10539_10312_10059_10313_10314_10534_10533_100031_10103_10073_5680020_10594_10557_10169_10596_10595_10142_10107%2Csearchweb201603_25%2CppcSwitch_5&btsid=20619657-46ed-47ec-85fa-8182b6d4daf6&algo_expid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb-3&algo_pvid=20a26fd9-15fb-45d7-a62d-dd6b8bd855fb&rmStoreLevelAB=0

[sn4k3]

Thank you.
Maybe aliexpress search engine is messed up.
I have put TS100 under search terms and select ship from Spain, nothing found 

2015 and 2017 version are the same iron, they only change shell color and maybe include other accessories

[arisma]

Yes, and i dont care about colour.

Now, must choose 1 shop xD

[sn4k3]

Yes, and i dont care about colour.

Now, must choose 1 shop xD

The cheaper one with most reviews and with B2 tip, easy 

[stj]

black friday is bs,
china has it's own day - 11/11
and i got LOADS of discounted stuff last week!!!! 

[Gyro]

Thank you.
Maybe aliexpress search engine is messed up.
I have put TS100 under search terms and select ship from Spain, nothing found 

2015 and 2017 version are the same iron, they only change shell color and maybe include other accessories

Did you check ebay prices?

[wraper]

black friday is bs,
china has it's own day - 11/11
and i got LOADS of discounted stuff last week!!!! 

Did you check prices before or after that?  95% of those discounts are nothing but BS. They increase base price and apply "discount".

[arisma]

A bit more expensive and from China.

PD: I think i have one laptop charger, Fujitsu ones, but 19V(65W, 3.42A). I think it´s DC5525

[wraper]

A bit more expensive and from China.

TS-100 basically is a soldering station. The only thing I don't like about it is that grip is not very comfortable and tip to grip distance might be shorter. I would take it instead of any uncontrolled soldering iron any day. There is also a cheap Bakon 950D which uses T12/clone Hakko cartridges. https://www.banggood.com/BAKON-950D-75W-Mini-Portable-Digital-Soldering-Station-with-T13-Tip-p-982824.html?cur_warehouse=CN Much better than any uncontrolled iron and you can also use genuine Hakko T12 cartridges with it.

[stj]

black friday is bs,
china has it's own day - 11/11
and i got LOADS of discounted stuff last week!!!! 

Did you check prices before or after that?  95% of those discounts are nothing but BS. They increase base price and apply "discount".

of course i checked against regular prices - i got stuff i already wanted and knew the normal price of. 

[stj]

A bit more expensive and from China.

TS-100 basically is a soldering station. The only thing I don't like about it is that grip is not very comfortable and tip to grip distance might be shorter. I would take it instead of any uncontrolled soldering iron any day. There is also a cheap Bakon 950D which uses T12/clone Hakko cartridges. https://www.banggood.com/BAKON-950D-75W-Mini-Portable-Digital-Soldering-Station-with-T13-Tip-p-982824.html?cur_warehouse=CN Much better than any uncontrolled iron and you can also use genuine Hakko T12 cartridges with it.

i am surprised one of these 3D-printer addicts has not made a bigger more rounded casing for the TS100 yet.
the case plans are open-source so they have a starting point.

as for TS100 vs BK950d, i would say the 950d is preferable if you intend to buy lots of tips or do soldering all day.
but make sure it ships with the T12 handle and not the T13 one - or you wont find tips for it.

[arisma]

xD

I don't think I will do soldering all days. That link include T13. There is a link in description.

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https://m.banggood.com/T12-Series-Solder-Iron-Tips-for-Hakko-Soldering-Station-FX-951-FX-952-p-932701.html, so finally is close to t100 price and includes adapter.