Hi chaps.
We all know that these machines are not getting any older, hell most of my "tat" is older than me so it makes sense for the owner to be somewhat knowledgeable in keeping these beasts alive rather than risk damage in transit and the costs/time involved if one could do the job themselves.
I'm aware many here do ALOT of repairs, it's something I've been meaning to get into myself so I can atleast do some more novice jobs (hopefully onto more amateur work as I get into it). I've had experience with basic Antex 25w irons but these seem more for super basic work like CR type battery replacements and perhaps cable making.
Just so you know, I now have a Weller PS-3D with a 45W iron. It's "temperature controlled", though temperature is dictated by the tip you choose. Hopefully this is a decent start for moderate repair work (it certainly feels alot nicer than any other I've used thus far)...
I'm already well up on pumps and solder braid, I just not sure about the following;
- What kind of temperature and tip type should I use for what jobs? My temperature choices are: 260, 315, 370, 430 and 480 centigrade.
- What kind of solder should I use? I'm looking at 63/37 0.3mm flux core solder currently. Is there a brand that I should look for or another type entirely?
- What kind of flux should I use? Paste or liquid? Should I use one of them bottles with a choice of needle nozzles? Again, does it matter what brand it is?
Apologies to bombard with questions. It just seems right to start doing my own more repairs as I finally got a decent station to attempt them with, and I want to do it right like the gurus here.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. I have a A4 PDF page on the tips for my iron. Let me know if it's needed for the correct advice and I'll upload it for reference.
We all know that these machines are not getting any older, hell most of my "tat" is older than me so it makes sense for the owner to be somewhat knowledgeable in keeping these beasts alive rather than risk damage in transit and the costs/time involved if one could do the job themselves.
I'm aware many here do ALOT of repairs, it's something I've been meaning to get into myself so I can atleast do some more novice jobs (hopefully onto more amateur work as I get into it). I've had experience with basic Antex 25w irons but these seem more for super basic work like CR type battery replacements and perhaps cable making.
Just so you know, I now have a Weller PS-3D with a 45W iron. It's "temperature controlled", though temperature is dictated by the tip you choose. Hopefully this is a decent start for moderate repair work (it certainly feels alot nicer than any other I've used thus far)...
I'm already well up on pumps and solder braid, I just not sure about the following;
- What kind of temperature and tip type should I use for what jobs? My temperature choices are: 260, 315, 370, 430 and 480 centigrade.
- What kind of solder should I use? I'm looking at 63/37 0.3mm flux core solder currently. Is there a brand that I should look for or another type entirely?
- What kind of flux should I use? Paste or liquid? Should I use one of them bottles with a choice of needle nozzles? Again, does it matter what brand it is?
Apologies to bombard with questions. It just seems right to start doing my own more repairs as I finally got a decent station to attempt them with, and I want to do it right like the gurus here.
Thanks in advance.
P.S. I have a A4 PDF page on the tips for my iron. Let me know if it's needed for the correct advice and I'll upload it for reference.
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