jammajup
08-21-2004, 07:17 AM
Normally use an ANTEX 25W but found the tips did not have much of a life span so have purchased a 15W,just curious what power soldering irons you guys prefer to use,15W,18W,25W,Adjustable temp range?
I do all my soldering work with an adjustable power iron (Weller 40W Max), and it does everything I need... I usually keep the temperature about 3/4, although for some things I turn it up, but rarely turn it below that. IMO, a 15W is too low, you end up damaging stuff more with an iron that low, because you hold the heat there too long, since it takes WAY too long to melt the solder (especially old dirty solder - ODS, No relation :D ). I'm always really quick with the iron, so it's not usually a problem using a higher wattage for me, but for people slower with one, 20-25W would probably be best.
DogP
soniko_karuto
08-23-2004, 02:46 AM
i use a 40w one, but i have been soldering desoldering all my life. ;)
davidleeroth
08-23-2004, 07:03 AM
I have a 30W one which is okay for most jobs but hopefully I'll be getting an adjustable one soon.