thoughts on using a 25w iron?

[redclover7!]

is 25w hot enough? also what is recommended size of iron tip for soldering pedal pcb?

 

[crashguitar]

I believe I used a basic Weller soldering iron for several years. I think it was 25 watts, but it appears that they only sell a 30-watt iron now.
That said, I was able to make pedals with it. I just used the conical tip ST7. I did find that it was not great at desoldering when I needed to remove a part. It also did not like lead-free solder. Your mileage may vary.

I replaced the Weller with a Sequre S99 pencil iron. It allows me to set a temperature and heats up really fast. I really like it, and it was affordable. I did find that I had to use tips only from Sequre. Tips from Amazon with random brands looked the same, but would not work in the iron.

 

[redclover7!]

I believe I used a basic Weller soldering iron for several years. I think it was 25 watts, but it appears that they only sell a 30-watt iron now.
That said, I was able to make pedals with it. I just used the conical tip ST7. I did find that it was not great at desoldering when I needed to remove a part. It also did not like lead-free solder. Your mileage may vary.

I replaced the Weller with a Sequre S99 pencil iron. It allows me to set a temperature and heats up really fast. I really like it, and it was affordable. I did find that I had to use tips only from Sequre. Tips from Amazon with random brands looked the same, but would not work in the iron.

thanks for reply. I'm working on my first build the neurocyton. the only other effect i worked on was modify a boss , pretty extensive and it came out good. but i find the pedal PCB boards have much smaller trace pad's than the BOSS, that's why i ask about tips. i was looking at the iron you recommended it has $30 to $100 range i guess more tips and accessories bump price? i ill check it out thanks for advice also did you purchase straight from company of from amazon?

 

[BuddytheReow]

For PPCB projects you can pretty much get away with a cheapie from Amazon as long as it has some sort of temperature control. I used something like this for my first few dozen projects. That being said, an upgraded iron makes things easier. I now use a Weller WE1010 and like it a lot (was a christmas present from my wife a few years ago).

As for tips, I tend to like the pencil point ones. The cheapies from Amazon come with a whole bunch of different types so you can find what works best for you.

 

[crashguitar]

thanks for reply. I'm working on my first build the neurocyton. the only other effect i worked on was modify a boss , pretty extensive and it came out good. but i find the pedal PCB boards have much smaller trace pad's than the BOSS, that's why i ask about tips. i was looking at the iron you recommended it has $30 to $100 range i guess more tips and accessories bump price? i ill check it out thanks for advice also did you purchase straight from company of from amazon?

I got mine from Amazon. The price difference is due to different accessories. I got one that had the iron and a 65w power supply.
I prefer a conical tip, but it came with a wedge tip. I ended up ordering a few tips directly from Sequre.

 

[Stickman393]

25w will do a lot.

Probably want to stick to leaded solder. 63/37 would be the ticket.

Get a few different tip sizes too. Larger tips=more surface area=faster heat transfer. Sometimes you need a larger tip, though typically my preference is around a 1.6mm chisel for 90% of work.

 

[redclover7!]

25w will do a lot.

Probably want to stick to leaded solder. 63/37 would be the ticket.

Get a few different tip sizes too. Larger tips=more surface area=faster heat transfer. Sometimes you need a larger tip, though typically my preference is around a 1.6mm chisel for 90% of work.

leaded? i just get the silver because its easy to go to store and find it , have you ever tried the electric pencil style solder irons?

 

[redclover7!]

For PPCB projects you can pretty much get away with a cheapie from Amazon as long as it has some sort of temperature control. I used something like this for my first few dozen projects. That being said, an upgraded iron makes things easier. I now use a Weller WE1010 and like it a lot (was a christmas present from my wife a few years ago).

As for tips, I tend to like the pencil point ones. The cheapies from Amazon come with a whole bunch of different types so you can find what works best for you.

do you like the little electric pencil style solder irons? thanks for input

 

[spi]

Are you about to purchase a 25W solder? If you are, I'd recommend spending a bit more to get a soldering station. There's at least one other thread here full of iron recommendations, with the Hakkos and Wellers being well respected. Their irons are usually around 65-70W and you'll have a much better experience with that.

 

[redclover7!]

25w will do a lot.

Probably want to stick to leaded solder. 63/37 would be the ticket.

Get a few different tip sizes too. Larger tips=more surface area=faster heat transfer. Sometimes you need a larger tip, though typically my preference is around a 1.6mm chisel for 90% of work.

the pcb im workin on has tiny trace pads, so i would love a set that has a good variety of tips

 

[redclover7!]

I believe I used a basic Weller soldering iron for several years. I think it was 25 watts, but it appears that they only sell a 30-watt iron now.
That said, I was able to make pedals with it. I just used the conical tip ST7. I did find that it was not great at desoldering when I needed to remove a part. It also did not like lead-free solder. Your mileage may vary.

I replaced the Weller with a Sequre S99 pencil iron. It allows me to set a temperature and heats up really fast. I really like it, and it was affordable. I did find that I had to use tips only from Sequre. Tips from Amazon with random brands looked the same, but would not work in the iron.

one last question , are you happy with the quality of the SEQURE? thanks again

 

[redclover7!]

Are you about to purchase a 25W solder? If you are, I'd recommend spending a bit more to get a soldering station. There's at least one other thread here full of iron recommendations, with the Hakkos and Wellers being well respected. Their irons are usually around 65-70W and you'll have a much better experience with that.

hello, i have been using a Weller 25w, i am looking into pen style irons they seem promising, i will be moving on from the one i have, let me ask about the solder wire diameter. i have 1mm & 0.8mm. i guess the smaller wire would be better, easier? i obviously don't have much experience , thanks

 

[spi]

what is the difference between a pen style iron and your weller? maybe I don't know what pen style means-

 

[Stickman393]

Maybe the TS100 type?

Some neat soldering irons that run on USB-C PD. I've got one that's a decent backup to my induction Hakko setup.

Yeah, My shit is strut.

 

[crashguitar]

one last question , are you happy with the quality of the SEQURE? thanks again

I do like it. But I am cheap. It does well enough for me. I am sure there are others here with higher standards and better builds than mine.

 

[redclover7!]

I do like it. But I am cheap. It does well enough for me. I am sure there are others here with higher standards and better builds than mine.

as long as it functions i want something more precice to work with it seems like the pencil style irons would do a neater job,

 

[redclover7!]

what is the difference between a pen style iron and your weller? maybe I don't know what pen style means-

the cordless , i think charged like a phone very small

 

[crashguitar]

the cordless , i think charged like a phone very small

Mine is not cordless. It uses a USB-C cable and a power adapter.