|
|
 Rank: Vice-Master     Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/03/2017 Posts: 531 Points: 1,710 Location: Midlands, UK
|
Hi all, I'm wanting to make some changes to the leds on various models I have (such as the shelby mustang and ecto 1 as an example), mainly swapping the headlight leds for more accurate looking ones (I really don't like the modern xenon blue look on a vintage vehicle). I figured it would be best for me to buy a soldering iron/soldering Station in order to swap them properly. As I learn I may begin to become more adventurous so I want something decent, and ideally something I can buy from amazon. Can anyone recommend what is really good? Is adjustable temperature better or required? Changeable tips? Ideally I want to buy 1 that is proper and decent to last rather than just something 'cheap'. What other things should I look for with a soldering iron? What about the actual solder it's self, as I see many types available - leaded, non leaded, some incorporating flux some not and requiring powders and things, and different thicknesses too. Once I have said equipment, how do I know what temps required in order to use it? Where do I start with any of this? The last time I did any soldering was over 22 years ago at school, back then I just used what the teacher gave me.... Any advice would be greatly appreciated Building:
Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Ford GT40, Gone in 60 seconds Eleanor mustang, Shelby Cobra
Complete:
R2D2, Red Bull RB7 RC, Battleship Bismarck, Shelby GT500 'super snake'
|
|
|
 Rank: Super-Elite   Groups: Registered
Joined: 17/12/2013 Posts: 3,982 Points: 11,974 Location: NY, USA
|
I would recommend getting a digital soldering station.they heat up much quicker than a regular soldering iron and you can adjust the temperature to match your solder.They usually come as a ikit with a few tips and tinning powder and tip cleaners. I just bought this one and it works great. I found that the cheap soldering irons caused nothing but frustration when I was learning how to solder because you never knew how hot the tip was. https://www.amazon.com/g...7_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I generaly use lead free rosin core solder. Here is an excellent guide to soldering https://www.makerspaces....to%20health%20concerns.
Carl PS dont forget eye protection and adequate ventilation when soldering.
|
|
|
Rank: Administration   Groups: Registered, Forum Support Team, Administrators, Global Forum Support Team, Moderator, Official Builds Joined: 09/11/2012 Posts: 8,300 Points: 23,988 Location: East midlands
|
Hi Semaj,  You are liable to get lots of different opinions on this question.  Here`s my opinion: Along with a soldering iron if you are going to swap out components, I`d suggest a combo of soldering iron and heat gun. The heat gun is a useful addition so you can insulate components and their associated wires with heat shrink tubing. You can buy soldering irons and heat guns as separate units, but you`ll most probably save money if you buy a combo unit (All in one) Here is a link to one example: https://www.amazon.co.uk...05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Regards delboy271155 (Derek) COME BACK GUY FAWKES "YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU"
|
|
|
Rank: Vice-Master Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/03/2017 Posts: 531 Points: 1,710 Location: Midlands, UK
|
Thanks derbyvet, that looks pretty good, I'll have a look for a uk version and check it out a bit more. That was exactly my point about cheap ones not being very good. Thanks delboy, that's some piece of kit there! It bit pricier than I was expecting and looks a bit out for my needs. I already have a bosch heat gun from decorating and paint stripping, so maybe I could use that for shrink wrap on a low setting? Lots of opinions is what I'm after as at least it steers me in the right direction rather than going totally blind. Building:
Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Ford GT40, Gone in 60 seconds Eleanor mustang, Shelby Cobra
Complete:
R2D2, Red Bull RB7 RC, Battleship Bismarck, Shelby GT500 'super snake'
|
|
|
Rank: Vice-Master Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/03/2017 Posts: 531 Points: 1,710 Location: Midlands, UK
|
I've seen this one on amazon and it looks to have pretty decent reviews and things. Price doesn't seem to bad and it has a pair of 'helping hands' clips on it that look mighty useful. Also comes with a reel of solder too. https://www.amazon.co.uk...bc_GNKZE1YEENJQATV6A1V2
What do the 'experts' think to this? Is it a no go? Or wold it be a good starting point for a few years? Building:
Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Ford GT40, Gone in 60 seconds Eleanor mustang, Shelby Cobra
Complete:
R2D2, Red Bull RB7 RC, Battleship Bismarck, Shelby GT500 'super snake'
|
|
|
Rank: Super-Elite Groups: Registered
Joined: 17/12/2013 Posts: 3,982 Points: 11,974 Location: NY, USA
|
I dont know the brand, but it has some good reviews.I like the extras too.The sucker tool is great for removing solder.
Carl
|
|
|
Rank: Vice-Master Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/03/2017 Posts: 531 Points: 1,710 Location: Midlands, UK
|
Thats what drew me. It looks a decent bit of kit to get started with and a lot of useful extras with it too. Building:
Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Ford GT40, Gone in 60 seconds Eleanor mustang, Shelby Cobra
Complete:
R2D2, Red Bull RB7 RC, Battleship Bismarck, Shelby GT500 'super snake'
|
|
|
Rank: Superelite  Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/05/2010 Posts: 2,608 Points: 7,519 Location: Lincolnshire
|
Looking at the reviews, for forty quid it's got to be worth a punt, hasn't it?
|
|
|
Rank: Administration Groups: Registered, Forum Support Team, Administrators, Global Forum Support Team, Moderator, Official Builds Joined: 09/11/2012 Posts: 8,300 Points: 23,988 Location: East midlands
|
Looks good to me too.  When using the heat gun you have, put on the lowest setting as you said and gradually move it closer till it takes effect. If its too fierce, then maybe a need for a more controllable version. Good luck with the projects that need the reworking. Regards delboy271155 (Derek) COME BACK GUY FAWKES "YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU"
|
|
|
Rank: Vice-Master Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/03/2017 Posts: 531 Points: 1,710 Location: Midlands, UK
|
Thanks for all the help folks, I really appreciate it! One more thing, with solder, I'm looking at buying solder that has roisin core. Am I right in thinking that it contains flux already and therefore I don't need to add flux to the project 1st? Or is it a good idea buying a small tin of flux wax too? Building:
Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Ford GT40, Gone in 60 seconds Eleanor mustang, Shelby Cobra
Complete:
R2D2, Red Bull RB7 RC, Battleship Bismarck, Shelby GT500 'super snake'
|
|
|
Rank: Super-Elite Groups: Registered
Joined: 17/12/2013 Posts: 3,982 Points: 11,974 Location: NY, USA
|
semaj wrote:Thanks for all the help folks, I really appreciate it!
One more thing, with solder, I'm looking at buying solder that has roisin core. Am I right in thinking that it contains flux already and therefore I don't need to add flux to the project 1st? Or is it a good idea buying a small tin of flux wax too? Correct.However I will use a flux pen especially when soldering to a PCB as it helps the solder to flow onto the board. Dont forget to tin your soldering iron tip too before and after each session and keep the tip clean .When the tip gets pitted replace it.
|
|
|
Rank: Vice-Master Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/03/2017 Posts: 531 Points: 1,710 Location: Midlands, UK
|
Ahh cool, so for now, just soldering leds tonwires I'll be fine with just the solder. Got it 👍🏻 Thanks for the tips too. I've spent a fair bit of time watching videos and things on YouTube. I've placed my orders so a few days time will be time to start learning Building:
Ghostbusters Ecto-1, Ford GT40, Gone in 60 seconds Eleanor mustang, Shelby Cobra
Complete:
R2D2, Red Bull RB7 RC, Battleship Bismarck, Shelby GT500 'super snake'
|
|
|
|
Guest
|
US
