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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: DuckNorris on Fri, 05 January 2018, 13:49:32

Title: Amount of Watts for Solder/Desolder switches and type of wire
Post by: DuckNorris on Fri, 05 January 2018, 13:49:32
Hello,

I am embarking on a small project which is simple to some here but I am a novice at this and needed some help. I need to replace 2-3 switches on a Ergodox EZ , so need to desolder 3 and put 3 on etc. How much watts would I need on a soldering iron for this? Also, what type of soldering wire/solder would I need?

Any product recommendation at a good price would be appreciated too!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Amount of Watts for Solder/Desolder switches and type of wire
Post by: hineybush on Fri, 05 January 2018, 14:02:27
You could do with a 40W iron I'd say. The Weller WCL100 is a good choice: https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515182455&sr=8-1&keywords=weller+wcl100

I wouldn't go over 3.5 or 4 on the temp setting though.

For solder, use a name brand- I prefer Kester and MG Chemicals. You'll want 60/40 or 63/37 Tin/Lead solder for electronics. 63/37 will melt at a slightly lower temperature than 60/40. Either one will work fine for keyboard use. Don't go any larger than 0.05" diameter.

I use this the most: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005T8MXQ2/ref=twister_B073T7PJJV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You could get a 1/2 pound spool and it'll last a long time.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Amount of Watts for Solder/Desolder switches and type of wire
Post by: DuckNorris on Mon, 15 January 2018, 14:18:55
Thank you so much for your reply! I apologize for the late reply and also would this work if I can't afford the one you sent right now? This one also has a soldering sucker I think to remove old solder

https://www.amazon.com/ANBES-Electronics-Adjustable-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B06XZ31W3M/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1515181470&sr=1-4&keywords=soldering+iron+kit
Title: Re: Amount of Watts for Solder/Desolder switches and type of wire
Post by: ZayaCaps on Wed, 17 January 2018, 20:25:26
Hey! I saw your post and thought I'd help out.

The solder iron you posted would work for your project, but it and its accessories are cheaply made. If you intend to continue soldering in the future, I'd save up for a higher quality product, like the one hineybush suggested.
Title: Re: Amount of Watts for Solder/Desolder switches and type of wire
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 17 January 2018, 21:11:51
There exists The Living Soldering Thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42824.0), but I’m not sure how “living” it is anymore. It has some pretty good advice regarding what equipment to buy, etc.
Title: Re: Amount of Watts for Solder/Desolder switches and type of wire
Post by: hineybush on Thu, 18 January 2018, 01:22:41
Quote from: ZayaCaps on Wed, 17 January 2018, 20:25:26
Hey! I saw your post and thought I'd help out.

The solder iron you posted would work for your project, but it and its accessories are cheaply made. If you intend to continue soldering in the future, I'd save up for a higher quality product, like the one hineybush suggested.

Yeah, basically this - that iron you linked would definitely work, but I'd recommend getting a nice unit at some point.