Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

[Operandi]

So I'm getting ready to re-cap my board (see HERE) and want to make sure I will have a good tool for the job.

I have a older (mid 80's) Heathkit GH-17A solder station but I'm not sure of it's exact output, nothing list listed on the unit and I haven't been able to find the specs anywhere else. Nor is it temp controled just three settings low/med/high.

It looks like a very nice iron (built like a tank) but the lack of temp control kind of worries me as well s not knowing the actual power of the unit. I do have a couple of boards I could try the Heathkit on but maybe I would just be better off with buying a new temp controlled solder station?

If I need a new iron suggestions would be appreciated.

[Per Hansson]

Re: Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

Do some trial and error with it on dead boards, many solder with just normal soldering irons, no temp control at all bar the power plug :P

[willawake]

Re: Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

if its not a gun its likely to be either poor or great not dangerous.
must test if it is grounded though.

i second the tests on trash boards, always validate your equipment before proceeding with a repair. in hot and fast is the key with cap replacement.

[Operandi]

Re: Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

I forgot to mention the Heathkit is on barrow from my uncle.

That coupled with the fact that I don't really have a good iron of my own I'm thinking I might just make the jump and purchase my own.

Dose anyone have anyone recommendations for a good iron?

[Galvanized]

Re: Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

I'm a pretender on this board. I bought http://shop.kiesub.com/Detail.bok?no=3 Several $5 tips were bought at the same time. The ones selected were choosen for using the iron in a more vertical orientation. Seek 2mm wide chisel tip and a pointed tip. I already had several sponges here so did not buy more. Solder wicking was bought from http://www.allelectronics.com/ many months ago. Stainless steel dental picks for opening cap mounting holes were had at an automotive swap-meet for $2 each...I bought five with different bends.

The above station is ESD safe but is only 60W and may not be enough for RoHS compliant solder (lead free with higher melting temp.).

There are several short threads in the tool forum on soldering that should be read.

[Operandi]

Re: Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

Thanks Galvanized the Hakko looks nice and appears to have all the required features, it's going on my short list.

I'm assuming the "tool forum" is the "Test Equipment Usage, Techniques, and Reviews" forum. I never considered a soldering iron to be test equipment so I haven't been in there before but I'm already seeing several good threads.

I'm a pretender on this board.

Pretender?

[Galvanized]

Re: Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

The tips for this Hakko have a large base and will hold alot of heat. The cheap pencil irons will chill real fast because they do not store much heat in the tip base. I would think that most that tinker at home would not want to spend over $100 on a station.

If you do buy from the vendor I linked, consider buying the Hakko CHP-170/P micro cutter, 16 AWG max. It's $5 and a really nice flush cutter. Much better than the $3~$4 one I bought from allelectronics.

I have read here that for really tough desoldering, sometimes it will help to pre-heat the PCB with a heatgun or just set it out in the sun for awhile.

Yeah, Test Equipment Usage=Tool forum to me. I find that my learning process is helped by "the joy of discovery." Just telling me something causes it to railroad from one ear, out the other. But if the lesson is discovered in my research/homework/reading...it sticks.

Kinda strange to be talking to you here as well as Anand's. Welcome aboard Sir! Your young enough that buying quality tools is of greater importance than for an old fart like me. For<$100 this Hakko won't disappoint. It's boxed very well in formed styrofoam inserts. It will servive DHL/UPS/FedEx.

[Operandi]

Re: Use older Heathkit Iron or recommend me a new one

Well I don't mind spending a bit extra to get something worth while since it should last me nearly forever.

I will look into the various tips as well as better cutters, the ones I have are kinda beat up.

I do have access to a heat gun but I only plan on pulling & replacing three caps so hopefully it goes smoothly.

Thanks for the warm welcome BTW .