Good soldering gun/iron?

Hey guys,

before I get started, is there any style of soldering gun that would be best suited for replacing the 12/16 gauge wire on the bike? I have a 25 watt and it seems a little under powered. I have a lead on a used Weller gun, 120/200 watt or so, would that be better?

Thanks again for any input.

 

I like Weller Solidering guns but I'm not sure which model would work the best for you. I don't know if they have a website or not.

MN

 

It's an 8200 (140/100 Watt). Seems like it would be better suited to doing non surface mount stuff...

 

YES, it is. I just went out in the garage and looked.

I've got a Weller; had it since I was 13, which makes it a 1965 model.

So it's 46 years old. Works PERFECT for wiring on the bikes. And works just like it did when it was new.

Guess what it is?

An 8200. Go for it.

 

Got it, looks like it might not be far off in age from yours Fritz, great shape though and made by the 'Copper Tool group' in Barrie, Ontario... Case, pick, brush and two unused tips included. Not bad for 20 bucks these days. This should make my soldering a little less of a pain...

 

here she is:



notice the replaced screw, haha! Oh well, it keeps the tip in place! Yeah, i was practicing... so I can get ready for this:

 

I do belive that is a cutting tip you have on there.
You might wanna pick up this will help
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/standar ... ack/900925

 

Weller guns are the best hands down. Have a 7200 that is good for most of the wiring on the bike. 8200 is a bit stronger... just be careful you don't cook some of the delicate electronics

 

Heh, that's a cutter eh? I'm such a n00b with the guns, I thought it was used to transfer more heat from below a wire, if you follow me.

I have a smaller 25 watt iron that I'll use for circuit boards. Don't worry that thing won't get close to my TCI . It came with the soldering tip you linked to and another cutter tip. Probably be able to use this to fix a crack in my windshield too eh?

 

I use a iroda butane iron it is the best hands down. I have used Weller and others. The butane allows me to work with out the need to be tethered to hydro.

 

Yeah, that's the cutting tip.

There're a whole bunch of different tips available for that gun.

Mine's exactly the same but not so shiny. Good strike.

 

The weller will last you a lifetime buy some tips and some flux , and some decent wire really easy once you do it a few times strip wires twist them get some solder on each side and join if you wanna make it even better before you join put some. Heatshrink tubing on one side of the wire join then move over heat and shrink it over the soldered joints. If u want help I'll make you a picture tutorial I solder alot.

 

That type iron (with the proper tip) is great for medium to heavy work--almost anything other than circuit boards. Technique matters a lot. Clean and tin the tip--apply flux and solder to a hot iron, then wipe off with a wet towel or sponge to get an even coat of shiny solder. Put a small bit of solder on the tip of the gun, touch that blob of molten solder to the joint, then feed solder from the other side of the joint. Cleaning and tinning the wires before soldering can sometimes help with difficult joints.

Usually the flux in solder is barely adequate. A good liquid or paste flux makes the job much easier, and can compensate to a great degree for lack of skill. Make sure the flux is for electronics, don't use acid or plumber's flux.

And if you can find some, lead solder is much, much easier to work with than lead free.

 

Heh, I also have a Weller 8200, Got it from my Dad early 80's I think... He has an older one probably around Fitz's vintage .... Both still functioning today...

 

Weller is indeed the best gun stlye. When I rebuilt starters and altenators, the shop I worked for spoiled me rotten cause we used a Hot Lips style soldering iron. Pricey but great, cause its like having an extra hand and all the heat goes to the joint instead of the whole wire.
http://www.venselenterprises.com/online ... /p114.html