[TowerTalk] soldering station

[K2CB]

I have been using a Weller WES51D  for years. I must've soldered hundreds of PL259 and N connectors. I have a few different style tips on hand, and I change the tip according to the job at hand. 

I also use the "tin the braid solid and cut it to a clean edge with a razor blade" method for PL259s. Then I solder the holes of the connector. The main thing is to use good quality silver plated connectors, not the garbage typically found at hamfests nowadays. Something like the Amphenol 83-1SP, or even the silver connector sold by DX Engineering, which is basically a rebranded RF Industries sIlver Teflon PL259. This past fall I think I installed close to 60 of the DX Engineering connectors, and I was quite satisfied with their quality.

The WES51D always provides enough heat. It is all just a matter of skill over time, and selecting the appropriate tip for the job at hand.

There are are a number of style tips available for this particular station. I use it for anything from surface mount work to heavy connectors, and it just keeps on going. They run about $150. Tips run about $4 each. 

My first one lasted about 10 years. The first thing to fail was the cord where it enters the pencil. Due to the age, I just found it more cost-effective to replace the entire station. My second unit is now about five years old, and still running strong. It sees almost daily use.

On another note, about 25 years ago a good friend of mine worked for a company called Hexicon Electric in Roselle Park, New Jersey. They made some really nice military grade soldering stations in the day. A repair job or two would always result in him reciprocating with some nice soldering equipment every now and then. Unfortunately, he became a silent key a number of years ago, and I think the company eventually had the same misfortune. At that point I switched to Weller.

Eric
K2CB