- Tue Sep 07, 2010 6:53 am
#109024
I have one of these(https://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produ ... ucts_id=84) sitting in my cart waiting for payday. I have a quick question or 3 for someone that has one. I've been working with PCBs as a hobby for the better part of 5 years now and this will be my first proper soldering iron.
What kind of usable life can I expect out of a tip?
I do mostly PTH, rarely SMD and never anything more than an 8 pin SOIC. What size and how many spare tips should i get?
Is lead-free really worth the money for a hobbyist, and is it any easier on tips than lead?
For the past 2 years i've been using a weller 25w fire starter and, to be honest, I hate it. It takes upwards of 15 minutes to heat up, the cord on it is 2 feet too short and it eats tips for breakfast.
What kind of usable life can I expect out of a tip?
I do mostly PTH, rarely SMD and never anything more than an 8 pin SOIC. What size and how many spare tips should i get?
Is lead-free really worth the money for a hobbyist, and is it any easier on tips than lead?
For the past 2 years i've been using a weller 25w fire starter and, to be honest, I hate it. It takes upwards of 15 minutes to heat up, the cord on it is 2 feet too short and it eats tips for breakfast.