LOL that looks like one of my awful first attempts as well when i was still using a 25watt iron.
but once you get a nice hot one and learn a few tricks its quick, easy, and you get pro results. Tin everything, bond things while its still flowing, and make it quick so shit doesn’t melt.
I’m still sort of getting used to my new soldering station. I melted an old switch once practicing with it before i realized how hot it gets and how quickly it can flow old solder, and how quick you have to be with it when soldering tiny metal tabs on plastic parts. I’m so glad i got it now though, and i’m looking forward to upgrading one day to a bigger station with a heat gun attachment.
When you apply to much heat or apply the heat for to long, all your flux inside the solder evaporate and burns out. You shouldn’t need to apply heat for more than 3 seconds once you everything flowing.
@longhairedboy man you’re making it hard to pick now! It cost me 5 soldering tip to get my board done, I am done with 30watt solder. If the pad has a heat sink (ESC with heat sink pcb), its impossible to get it done with 30watt.
It’s listed at 70 watts but i thought it was 75. I must have been mistaken. Anyway its a decent station for the price and works really well for me, and it wasn’t much more than my 25watt radio shack iron. And it comes with a solder spool holder, a sponge, and an extra element, and the tip cleaning metal sponge thing. And having an easy place to put the hot iron while it on is invaluable.
just wanted to add this though: Buy the hottest and nicest one you can afford if you are planning on doing a ton of soldering. This one is still kind of a cheapo, and i plan to buy a much nicer one, but it still a great iron. Eventually i want one with a hot air gun as well.
