How hard would it be to take switch off a Filco?

[FinancialWar]

Will soldiering be required? How long would it take to take one switch off?

[hwood34]

Well, to remove a switch soldering is always required. It really only depends if the switches are plate or PCB mount. If PCB, just the individual switch can be desoldered. But with plate mount, all the switches need to be

[jdcarpe]

Will soldiering be required? How long would it take to take one switch off?

First, you have to remove the case and take out the plate/pcb assembly. Then simply desolder the switch you want to remove, and pop it out of the plate. Doesn't take long, but the tricky part with a Filco is that the holes are double sided, plated all the way through. This sometimes prevents you from getting all the solder out of the hole, especially if you are using braid. You really need a solder sucker for the job. If you try, and there is still solder left in the hole, just add more solder and try again.

So, in short, the time it takes you will just depend. On your available tools and soldering skill, mostly.

[Hblue]

This guy does a really good job of explaining what is needed and what to do:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ_2GxeR4Es

To answer briefly: You will need to open the case, unscrew a couple of screws (voiding your warranty) and desolder all the switches you want to replace.

[jdcarpe]

Let me say this, just so everyone can be clear:

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DESOLDER ALL THE SWITCHES JUST TO REMOVE ONE SWITCH FROM A FILCO.

Okay, I feel better.

[tbc]

Let me say this, just so everyone can be clear:

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DESOLDER ALL THE SWITCHES JUST TO REMOVE ONE SWITCH FROM A FILCO.

Okay, I feel better.

quoting for emphasis

EDIT:

i think one guy actually tried to take advantage of that myth to charge $20 to replace one switch.  a lot of people thought he would have to desolder 80+ switches and therefore thought that price was reasonable.

he quickly reduced the price after getting called out.

[Melvang]

Let me say this, just so everyone can be clear:

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DESOLDER ALL THE SWITCHES JUST TO REMOVE ONE SWITCH FROM A FILCO.

Okay, I feel better.

quoting for emphasis

EDIT:

i think one guy actually tried to take advantage of that myth to charge $20 to replace one switch.  a lot of people thought he would have to desolder 80+ switches and therefore thought that price was reasonable.

he quickly reduced the price after getting called out.

I concur, though I do believe you still need to desolder the entire board to replace pcb mount stabs if there is a plate installed.  For PCB mount, just the one switch needs to be removed, unless there is no cutout in the plate for the wire.  If not, then a line from the offending stabilizer to the edge of the plate needs to be cleared I believe, if you are tricky, if not then the entire board needs to be removed then.

[honoka]

Desoldering a Filco board is such a pain compared to for exemple a QFR. Make sure you have a solder sucker and patience. Also, good lighting and a big surface to work on is important too. Make sure the area is well ventilated. Solder fumes can make you go dumb. If you can use a table fan but turn it around so the back is facing you. This is so that the fumes get sucked away from you instead of being blown in your face. A fan directed the right way will also cool down your soldering iron and the joint you are trying to desolder.
Hugs

[CPTBadAss]

Desoldering a Filco board is such a pain compared to for exemple a QFR.

I have the opposite experience. Working on a QFR was one of my least favorite modding experiences.

[honoka]

I have the opposite experience. Working on a QFR was one of my least favorite modding experiences.

Wow, that is interesting. Id rather milk cows every morning at sunrise than desolder more filco boards. Maybe we can send each other the boards and desolder for each other

[Melvang]

Desoldering a Filco board is such a pain compared to for exemple a QFR. Make sure you have a solder sucker and patience. Also, good lighting and a big surface to work on is important too. Make sure the area is well ventilated. Solder fumes can make you go dumb. If you can use a table fan but turn it around so the back is facing you. This is so that the fumes get sucked away from you instead of being blown in your face. A fan directed the right way will also cool down your soldering iron and the joint you are trying to desolder.
Hugs

I just want to point out that solder fumes will NOT make you go dumb.  The fumes from soldering is from the flux, not the lead.  Yes you will want to wash your hands (still a very minor risk at out levels of exposure), but there is no lead in the fumes.