Re: [QRP-L] soldering iron question

[Mark J. Schreiner]

Hi Chuck,

I used some thing similar for doing the Down East Microwave transverter
kits from 6m to 2304 MHz.  It was a bit crude but all functioned okay.  
Much of it was surface mount.  So, yes, you could get by with the RS iron.

That being said, when I jumped in to build my K2 I did spring for a new
Hakko 936 solder station with a variety of tips.  I LOVE IT!  Wish I
would have bought one years ago.  I had always wanted to have a nice
soldering iron for home, and the K2 project was just definitely the
right excuse for me to upgrade my tools.  Proper tools, as you have
heard, are very important.  I don't think I could go back to using the
RS 15W iron after using my Hakko.  

I work as an engineer in the microelectronics industry and tried several
nice soldering irons at work, ranging from MetCal to Weller & Hakko.  I
didn't buy the most expensive option for my own personal use but a small
investment in the correct tools is certainly worth the few extra
dollars.  If I had to do some very fine pitch surface mount ICs I would
take the project to work and use one of the MetCal hot air stations in
all likelyhood.  The hot air is great for rework as well.  I'm not sure,
it may be specifically for desoldering, but I've got to think that it
must work well for soldering of very fine pitch ICs as well.  I don't
think I would ever invest in something like that for home.

I was recently showing off my recently completed KX1 to an old colleague
of mine at a hamfest.  He works was an engineer but now works part time
as a source inspector.  He popped out his inspection eye loupe and
checked out my soldering and told me that it looked very good and that
he would certainly pass it, HI HI!  Thanks, Mac!  I think there are
likely some tight spots that I wouldn't have been able to solder without
the Hakko.

72,

Mark, NK8Q
K2 4786 & KX1 1644
chuck allen wrote:

> Hello gentlemen,
>
> I don't want to pay for a temperature controlled
> soldering iron at this point. Actually I'm still
> working out in my mind why I would really need one.
>
> I already have a couple of old 40 watt irons (I don't
> think they have a grounded tip) but I thought that was
> too much iron for SMD.
>
> So, will a Radio Shack 15 watt, grounded tip iron work
> fine for kits and SMD? (cost about $8)
>
>
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> chuck AF4XK
>
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