Chris -
WHAT IS SOLDER?
Solder is a metal alloy consisting of distinct percentages of two or more
metals. In electrical work, the alloy is usually tin (Sn) and lead (Pb).
However, Silver (Ag), Zinc (Zn), and Antimony (Sb) are used for special
soldering alloys. Solder that uses lead has a lower melting point than pure
lead. However, some solders contain no lead.
a.. Each alloy composition has unique characteristics, eg., melting point,
hardness, and solid-to-liquid transition properties, and may or may not be
eutectic.
a.. A eutectic alloy is a composition of one or more metals that has one
sharp melting point and no intermediate "plastic" stage. Non-eutectic
compositions have a semi-liquid temperature range where the metal can be
"worked" due to its plastic nature.
For example lead has a melting point of 621 OF (327 OC) and tin melts at 450
OF (232 OC).
Alloying 63% tin with 37% lead forms a EUTECTIC that melts at 361 OF (183
OC). NOTE: that this particular alloy's melting point is lower than either
of the parent metals.
Please do not make the common mistake with your new adjustable temperature
soldering station.
(Weller WES51, Hakko 936-12, Solomon series from Taiwan)
Temperature is ONE of THREE aspects for good soldering.
SIZE, PROFILE and TEMPERATURE
Soldering Iron Tip - The tip should be small enough so that the joint being
soldered can be easily seen, but large enough to quickly transfer the heat
required to raise the joint temperature to the solder melting point. I
prefer the prefer a chisel (screwdriver) tip profile between 1/16" and 1/8"
(ETA, ETB, ETC) across the spade for general purpose soldering. Smaller
tips are available and required for small pads and surface mount components.
The larger tip provides more heat for large connectors, lugs and large size
wire as well as for desoldering using desoldering braid or solder pump.
a.. 0.020" dia. (25 gauge/.05 cm) rosin core or smaller - Very small.
Excellent for soldering very small printed circuit (PCB) board pads and hand
soldering surface mount components. Too small for a general purpose bench
solder. It can take excessive heating time to apply sufficient solder to
larger joints. I keep both a .020 and .031 1 lb roll at the workbench..
http://engr.nmsu.edu/~etti/fall97/electronics/solder.html
The WES51 comes standard with the ETA - 1/16" screwdriver tip.
I highly suggest all owners also have the ETB - 3/32" screwdriver profile
tip.
The ETB works very well with switches, connectors and large pads on PC
boards.
When I use this tip, I can often reduce my temperature to from 700 to 650
degrees
AVOID going above 750 degrees with very small tips -- significantly reduces
tip life and requires frequent tip cleaning.
w9gb
----- Original Message -----
From: "Koaps" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 8:47 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Weller temp setting for KX1 build
Hi Guys,
I'm getting ready to start in on my KX1 build but one
thing I'm a bit stuck on is the setting for my new
Weller WES51 solder station.
Can anyone using one of these things suggest how I get
the temp right?
I read the manual that came with it, but it really
didn't make much sense to me, and I thought it would
come with something that says set the dial here for
this temp.
I did get a roll of Kester 44 solder, .020, that was
suggested in the solder guide, I'm just not sure what
setting to use on the dial.
Thanks for the help,
-Chris
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