Solder Tip Tips

[GeorgeFormanGrill]

Hey All:

I'm beginning to think my solder tip is a little too chunky to be as accurate as I'd like. I see there are some threads discussing solder tips, but I was wondering if I picked up any random replacement online if it would fit this Stahl model iron I'm using:

http://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Station-Features-Continuously-Variable/dp/B0029N70WM

Any recommendations for good, thinner tips I could cop?

I'm also curious about when the iron may be too hot. Is there an ideal heat for soldering on Madbean boards? Desoldering? I get worried about whether or not I'm messing things up when I desolder and have the iron on the board for more than a handful of seconds.

Thanks,
George

[alanp]

For through-hole work, my 40W pencil tip works well. (It takes a couple minutes to heat up, though.)

It's too much for SMD, but I manage to skate by.

[pryde]

I can't answer your original question but if you end up wanting something different I cant recommend the Weller WP25 enough. Use the ST7 conical tip and it is just a fantastic pedal building iron. The tips give very consistent heat and last a very long time.

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WP25-Professional-25Watts-Soldering/dp/B000B63BTU

[GeorgeFormanGrill]

Awesome. Thanks for the tip. I'll store that away for when I'm looking to make the upgrade.

[blackedition]

That Stahl station looks exactly like the Weller WLC100, so I'd bet that the Weller ST series of tips (the ST7 recommended above is in this series) would work for it.  You could try it out. 

[selfdestroyer]

I use a Weller ETS Conical tip and it has served me well.

With your iron this 4 piece set might be good to grab.
http://www.parts-express.com/stahl-tools-ssrt-4-piece-soldering-tip-kit-for-stssvt--374-102

The 1mm conical would probably work better for you.

Cody

[rullywowr]

I like the Weller etaa tip which is long.  It allows great reach I'm between components.

[jimilee]

You can get stahl tips from byoc or parts express. Like in the above post...geaux me!!!

[Clayford]

And I can't recommend enough the this model form Circuit Specialists if you're looking for an upgrade and are in the states. For PCB work, I'll also recommend as myself and others have before, for any a good Conical Tip. This one will get hot enough to work on the lead free solder you run into on repair jobs, can heat up a ground plane like no other. I have managed to lift a trace on 2 boards with it. One was Vero the other a MB board, and both were overworked. I don't think you should ask any pad or trace to stand up to 4 or more reworks.

   

[GeorgeFormanGrill]

Very cool. Thanks for the suggestions. I like the idea of upgrading to another variable set-up, but it seems like a fair amount of you use the Weller irons. Is there a benefit to having the type of iron or pen that heats up at a single temperature?

[Clayford]

Weller and Hakko are kind of "the" standard. The one I recommended came with a substantial vouch, or I'd have never gotten it. There is nothing wrong with a pen type, and benefits to both. A station and a guitar aren't that great to work with, the pen unit with a screwdriver/Chisel tip and a guitar is. Working on a PCB - I'd rather have the station. If I could only have one - it'd be a hard choice.