Re: Soldering Iron For PCB's
As a student, I started out with an Antex iron. It was great for new-build prototype projects on vero-board and replacing passive components in 1990's domestic electronics.
Enter I.C's and the use of desoldering braid to remove I.C's, this is where the Antex struggled.
Once graduated, I was in a better job, had more income and could stretch to Maplins soldering station, the temperature controlled one, with a row of LED's as an indicator. EDIT: A Union BP53.
This has been brilliant, fixing anything from an iPod right up to a sideboard sized radiogram and anything in between. Before Maplin closed, I bought a selection of spare tips, in nearly 20 years of hobby-work, I'm on my 2nd tip.
At work we use either Weller or Metcal. For hobby use though, the above show their worth.
The rest of my equipment came from radio rallies or eBay, always used/faulty so had to learn/repair myself. It's all old gear but ultimately, very high quality and 'period' for the radios I now concentrate on.
My only recent indulgence was a new chair, a Fluke multimeter and a Seaward PAT.
Mark
__________________
Slowly turning the 'to-do', into 'ta-dah'
Last edited by mark2collection; 10th Nov 2019 at 11:08 am.
Reason: Iron make & model number details added.
|