Adjustable 30W 110V soldering iron - XY-258 110V

[dmh]

Hi,

The Adjustable 30W 110V soldering iron - XY-258 110V was recommended to me but I was wondering what setting should I put it on when working with Arduino shields and projects etc....

Also I got some tinner but was wondering if there was some technique to using this stuff.


Thanks
Mike

[adafruit_support_bill]

I don't have that particular iron, but I'd start with a medium/high setting. If you find that it is not keeping up, boost the setting a bit. Ideally, you should be able to bring most joints up to a temperature where it can melt the solder within a couple of seconds. (heavy joints such as power connector or switch lugs will take longer)

To use the tinner, just drag/roll the hot tip across it. It should come up nice and shiny.

[dmh]

Thanks,

I was hoping to find something that would last a long time. Something that heats up quick and the tips last.

Any suggestions

Mike

[adafruit_support_bill]

It all depends on your budget. I would avoid anything less than 25W. The 30W adjustable iron is a nice step up from the typical entry-level iron. Together with a stand it makes a good basic soldering station. The next step up from that would be a temperature-controlled iron like the Hakko-888. Something like that or a Weller WES-51 should last pretty much forever.

[dmh]

Thanks so much look forward to this purchase with adafruit.

[dmh]

Oh, I almost forgot... Are there other tips available for the 30W iron?

[adafruit_support_bill]

We don't carry them in the store, but Xytronic makes a variety of tips to fit the XY-258
http://www.xytronic-usa.com/shop/category.aspx?catid=19