Vectronics VEC-1500K - Manual (Page 18)

13
LESSON 4
Soldering Irons
Types of Irons: There are a lot of different soldering irons out there, and
choosing the right one can be as confusing as choosing the right roll of solder!
Electronic distributors offer products ranging from ten-dollar hobby irons to
microprocessor-driven rework stations costing several thousand dollars. All
soldering irons do pretty much the same thing--heat connections and melt solder
alloys. But, there are differences in how they do the job--and how well they do
it! Here's a survey of the popular hand-soldering irons in use today.
Low-Cost Hobby Iron: These are simple low-cost consumer products intended
for home-owners and beginning-hobbyists. Most provide a two-wire power cord
connected directly to a fixed-output 110-volt 30-40 Watt heating element. Iron
tips are ungrounded and unsuited for working with static-sensitive components.
Elements and tips aren't designed for continuous use, and replacement parts may
be hard to find--making these products "throw-aways" when they fail (not
suitable for lab or shop use).
Tip
Barrel
Heating Element
Handle
Power Cord
Unregulated 110-volt Professional Iron: These irons work on the same
principle as low-cost hobby irons, but the heating elements and tips are higher
quality and designed for continuous use. Power cords may be two-wire (isolated
tip) or three wire (grounded tip). Tips and elements are easily replaced, and a
variety of wattages and tip styles may be used with the same basic handle
assembly. Some "high-end" 110-volt irons may have thermostatic temperature
control, but most will not.
Removable Heat Cartridge
Replaceable Tip
Cartridge Socket
Main Body
Cord
Grip
Shield