solder iron wattage

[phoenix77]

Hi Guys, I have just I quick NOOB question. If any of you have read about my PCB problems with my WL CLASSIC, you'll know why I'm asking this. What is a good WATTAGE rating to use for PCB work? Any & all comments will be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much to all repliers phoenix77

 

[SargeMX5]

Ive got a nice 12 - 15w soldering iron designed for very tiny PCB soldering. Cost me $40 . My other soldering iron cost me $12 and its a 30w cheapo. With that said the build quality and heat up time of my more expensive 12w is much better than the 30w. I recommend you invest around 30 - 60 for a good iron which will last and provide excellent soldering instead of playing around the bush with a cheap $12 soldering iron.

Just make sure you get a very nice fine tip for the iron and some 0.3mm solder wire and a small tub of flux(all of which (except the iron tip) can be found on DX for MUCH cheaper than shops)

 

[scandal13]

Re: solder iron  wattage

Yeah, if you want to go cheap dont just go for high wattage. I got a $10 30w and it does the job fine (wouldn't go higher on wattage). But if you plan on doing lots of circuit board stuff then you will realize that using a more expensive iron gets the job done faster and with more finess.

 

[jamilm9]

mine is $12 and is from 5 to 60 watts

 

[Bionic-Badger]

Re: solder iron  wattage

Buy one at an electronics specialty shop, and ask them which one they suggest. Do not get one at Radio Shack or a home improvement store, as those shops, especially Radio Shack, are for average Joes who don't know what they're paying for. The average Radio Shack soldering iron will be equivalent to a dull nail on a heater, rather than a useful soldering iron. You might be able to get a better one there, but it'll be overpriced, and you might as well buy a much better one at Stanley Supply or something. You'll probably only buy it once, so buy a good one.

For wattage, 15-30W is good, so you don't burn the board, but can easily melt the solder.