> But it begs the question ... how much power do I really need?

The ideal is infinite power with a good temperature control.  50W is close
enough for most of what I do, I've used a 150W iron in the past, but only
for _large_ areas of solder- it wasn't temperature controlled, came up to
temperature in 3 seconds and was not supposed to be used for more than
(IIRC) 40 seconds without a chance to cool off!

> will say 10W work?  Or less?  I'd like to get away with less,
> since I'm going
> to be playing with smaller (SMT) components nowadays.

I've tried using my Antex 12W non-temp-controlled iron and my Weller 50W
temperature controlled on SMT.  I'd go for higher power any day.  It seems
that the sooner the part gets up to temperature, the sooner you take the
iron away, the better the joint.  It seems less likely to damage
heat-sensitive parts too.

Nigel
--
Nigel Orr, Design Engineer                 nigel@axoninstruments.co.uk
Axon Instruments Ltd., Wardes Road,Inverurie,Aberdeenshire,UK,AB51 3TT
               Tel:+44 1467 622332 Fax:+44 1467 625235
                   http://www.axoninstruments.co.uk

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