Soldering Iron Wattage???

[Fordulike]

Bought an Antex 30w mains powered soldering iron a while back, to use on soldering components on micro-electronic circuit boards.
It has been perfect for this job, but when i came to soldering a power cable back on to my battery key ignition barrel, it took absolutely ages to complete the job.
This i know is down to the rather low wattage of the iron not being to heat such a large mass of solder.
The question is, what is an ideal wattage of iron to use without overdoing it?
Also, are the gas powered irons any good?

 

[banbury frank]

Hi

you need a minimum 80 watt iron as the copper cable absorbs the heat like mad if not you will have what we call a dry joint

The trouble with a 30 watt is it takes such a long time that the head disperses All over . Tip Tin both sides off the joint then touch them together the add more solder as this add flux allowing the solder to flow freely

as long as you have a nice shiny molten joint it should be OK

Frank

 

[Mussels]

I agree with Frank, 30W is not suitable for bigger jobs. Also it's worth remembering that lead free solder needs a higher temperature so old irons may not work well for that reason.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi

I think you will find all the Ebike soldering is still NOT lead free if you try mixing Makes a Mess

Frank

 

[Fordulike]

Thank you banbury frank and Mussels for your answers.
I did aquire a job lot of leaded solder before we went all European, as I find the lead free stuff terrible to work with.
If an existing joint already has lead free on it, I just use a solder sucker to remove the lot.
80 watts plus it is then, any views on the gas powered irons?

 

[banbury frank]

Hi

Gas soldering irons are OK if you bye a good make but expensive

try this link under £10 delivered 80 watt mains soldering iron

Frank

 

[Synthman]

I've found the 30w iron practically useless for modern solder. 100w soldering gun works really well for me, and I find it easier to control.

 

[Mussels]

I just checked, my station is 60W and I have no problem at all with it. The advantage is that I can set the right temperature.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi I now use ERSA and my Weller DS3 for desoldering and hot air smt rework


The Ersa is fantastic but Expensive



i-CON 2 with SMD tweezer | i-CON Solder Stations & Heating Plates | Products | An ERSA soldering machine, soldering station or BGA rework system - best solutions for PCB manufacturing industries

Frank

 

[NRG]

You can still get leaded solder form the likes of RS Components, I find the 2% silver loaded stuff the best, it wets well and melts at a low temp.