I'm looking for a soldering kit by have no idea what I want.

[speedstream5621]

Didn't know where to put this, but I would like an all-puropse soldering kit(if it exists). Something for computer related mods and anything else. I know I'm vague, lol.

Are there any brands that you prefer? I know absolutely nothing about soldering so feel free to fill me in on that.

Thanks.

[bigpoppa]

go to radio shack man. 9 times of 10 they will have what you want for ANY OC related mods.

[speedstream5621]

Yeah, I was planning to look there and at Fry's, but is there a "universal tip" for everything? Or do certain tasks require different "tips" or is it one "tip" that is used for everything, but then certain tasks require different amounts of heat?

Oh well, I'm not real serious about it, but my K7S5A would be a good board to practive modding on.:)

[lalPOOO]

Try finding a local eletronics store in your area. Not only will they have everything you need, but you should also be able to talk to someone whos fairly knoldgable about the stuff you need and will be able to aid you in your purchase descions. They will also have a greater selection in quality parts, and hopefully fairer prices.

(I say fairer because while the prices may not be better. As a comparative example, you wouldn't complain that gouda is priced higher then chedder cheese.)

[TheDogFather]

I was going to get a soldering iron, for mods etc. but noticed theres all differant wattages, what sort of wattage do we want for pcb's and it would be handy to have a idea on which tip ?

TDF.

[2fast4u]

Most use between a 15 watt and 25 watt depending on the size of wire or solder used. I would recomend you get both as they are not very exspensive. Get the smallest diameter and longest tip you can find to help in tight places.i

[TheDogFather]

Thanks. :)

TDF.

[lalPOOO]

Theres also adjustable heat soldering irons, but they're obiviously more expensive.

[speedstream5621]

My parents bought me a kit from Radio Shack. A 30w iron...is that too much for PCBs? From my research, its exactly what I want to use.

Which solder do you guys recommend?

[2fast4u]

Small dia flux core wire.

[Holst]

Originally posted by speedstream5621
My parents bought me a kit from Radio Shack. A 30w iron...is that too much for PCBs? From my research, its exactly what I want to use.

Which solder do you guys recommend?

That should be fine..

You may want to buy a smaller tip for it if you find the stock one is too big.

Have a good practice on something dead before you risk anything living... if you dont have any dead motherboards use a PCB from something else... I first practiced on an old VCR PCB.

[kleptophobiac]

Weller.

I have a WES50, and you'd have to pry it from my cold dead fingers with a crowbar.

[Ragnarok]

My vote goes to g00t.. high quality jap soldering irons especially for PCB work..

[Davedude]

There is this Antex soldering iron I think I am going to buy. 18W, 700 - 750F. You buy
removable tips for it (doesn't come with it), they sell 1/64" gold plated needle tips
for this soldering iron for about $5.00-$9.00. The soldering iron itself is $23 so I
think its a good deal. SHould I get it?

HERE (http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/brands/Antex)

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cat/ss/6520-0001.jpg

[enzoR]

wow... gold plated. its looks like one sw33t iron!

[mikead_99]

For the price, the wlc-100 (http://www.mouser.com/catalog/616/1144.pdf) is hard to beat. 5 - 40W adjustable and pretty much all of the tip sizes you could need for pc modding are available. Don't get me wrong, you could do better, but not for $50. If this is all you are going to use the iron for, I couldn't see spending more.

[kleptophobiac]

mmm... mine!

http://www.action-electronics.com/wewes50.htm

[Nico]

I bought a Hakko 941 about a year ago. It was expensive, but the thing I really liked, was the grip to tip distance being very small, this is great for keeping things steady on small components. Weller now do a very similar unit and both have quick change tips which is also very handy.

[doctorcod]

So what is the wattage recommended for soldering IC's on mobos?

[Hell-Fire]

I wouldnt go over 30w for soldering anything to a "pcb based" component.

Typically anything between 15-25w is plenty.

Also, use .032dia (or smaller if availble) rosin core solder versus the silver bearing solder. The rosin core has a lower tolerance to heat and will heat and spread faster than the silver bearing. The less time you apply heat to something the better.

Another little tid bit of info is to either get a kit that comes with a sponge or buy a few sponges. A damp sponge is important during soldering to remove any oxidation or excess solder from the tip. A stand is a nice add-on as well, but let it influence your purhcase to much as some companies charge quite a fee for a plastic stand.

Just my :2cents:

[sKiTz0]

after seeing these irons.. mine seems like a piece of crap :P Its like a radio shack 40w wand with a tip thats like 1/4in wide.. my small tip is toast

[st0nedpenguin]

I bought a £15 soldering iron, wouldn't solder for anything, picked up a £2.99 one, and that works a charm, go figure...

[sKiTz0]

just went and bought a 15w iron at radioshack with a much smaller tip and softer handle.. works wonders

[Boyne7]

wow my iron is a pos compared to all of those,
ah well it still works for me
done quite a few vmods with it