Soldering Iron station recommendations

[FourT6and2]

What’s the reason for 63/37? I’ve only used 60/40 and sometimes have to use ROHS compliant if the products are going to Europe and I am horrible with it compared to 60/40

60/40 solidifies over a range of temperatures. That means as it transitions from liquid to solid, it goes through a plastic state where it's kind of pasty and slushy. If you disturb the joint during this transition, you get a bad (cold) joint. 63/37 is eutectic, which means it both melts and freezes at one specific temperature. Therefore, it sets and transitions much more quickly and all at once. That means fewer cold joints. It also means lower heat is needed, which is better for sensitive components.

 

[pipelineaudio]

60/40 solidifies over a range of temperatures. That means as it transitions from liquid to solid, it goes through a plastic state where it's kind of pasty and slushy. If you disturb the joint during this transition, you get a bad (cold) joint. 63/37 is eutectic, which means it both melts and freezes at one specific temperature. Therefore, it sets and transitions much more quickly and all at once. That means fewer cold joints. It also means lower heat is needed, which is better for sensitive components.

Awesome! After a lifetime of soldering patch bays and all manner of nastiness, I never really thought about the hows and whys of the solder itself! I gotta try some. And probably time for a new iron.

 

[7704A]

Kester 63/37 is the bees' knees.

 

[raiken]

Only Weller soldering stations and Kester 63/37 for me.

 

[BDC]

I love my Weller WE1010NA.
View attachment 405124

Yeah I bought one of those a year or so ago and it was a pretty big upgrade for me..... I really like how it gets to temperature fast and gives a constant temp reading......Previously was using 40 watt Radio Shack irons........built 6 amps with them and numerous repairs....

I've been using the same 60/40 Kester .031" a long time along with some lead free stuff from Radio Shack......
I'm gonna order some of that 63/37..Good heads up on that... I'm not a tech just a DIY guy to a point..

 

[vertigo08]

Look what just arrived!

View attachment 405152

I wish they had this colour when I ordered mine 15yrs ago

 

[Music&Chaos]

Just an update that I have zero regrets going with the Hakko so far. A really well performing unit that gives me absolutely no issues.

Don't worry, the other Hakko products like the filter fan and the like are still the ol' blue & yellow!

 

[heinz_57]

I have bought like 3 or 4 of the cheap-o soldering irons over the years. Last year I bought a used Weller WES50 off eBay. The most recent pickup swap was so much easier and way less frustrating, no cold solder joints

 

[pipelineaudio]

Kester 63/37 is the bees' knees.

I want to try this but there are like 400 different kester 63/37 models. I want like 1.6mm. Which model number is correct, do you know?

 

[Music&Chaos]

I want to try this but there are like 400 different kester 63/37 models. I want like 1.6mm. Which model number is correct, do you know?

1.6mm thick?? Damn dude, that is really thick stuff!!

 

[pipelineaudio]

1.6mm thick?? Damn dude, that is really thick stuff!!

It’s what I’ve always used for patchbays and mic cables and general studio repair but I’m open to trying different stuff. I’m getting the FX 888dx are there specific temp setting you would recommend for different solder thicknesses for like 1/4” jacks?

 

[Music&Chaos]

It’s what I’ve always used for patchbays and mic cables and general studio repair but I’m open to trying different stuff. I’m getting the FX 888dx are there specific temp setting you would recommend for different solder thicknesses for like 1/4” jacks?

I could not imagine going any higher than 1mm, and that is pretty up there. I run my Hakko @ 350 C and it works like a charm!

 

[7704A]

I want to try this but there are like 400 different kester 63/37 models. I want like 1.6mm. Which model number is correct, do you know?

They have a table here for the "44" flux solders: https://www.kester.com/products/product/44-flux-cored-wire
Looks like the closest is their 1.5mm diameter solder:

On digikey: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/kester-solder/24-6337-0061/31179

They also have one with less flux, 2.2%, if that's your preferred flavor.

 

[7704A]

It’s what I’ve always used for patchbays and mic cables and general studio repair but I’m open to trying different stuff. I’m getting the FX 888dx are there specific temp setting you would recommend for different solder thicknesses for like 1/4” jacks?

I use the .8 mm core version of the stuff I recommended above, for just about everything. You'll have to feed more than you're used to, but there's a bit more control due to that. Haven't tried 1.6mm core so can't comment on specific differences. I'm usually cooking at 390C.

 

[pipelineaudio]

Thank you guys! I’ll try the 0.8mm 63/37 and see how I like it!

 

[mnemonic]

This is what I bought a few years ago when I finally ran out of my ancient radio shack solder, works great.

https://mou.sr/4hem71P