Electric Soldering Iron

Description

Electric Soldering Irons have small Copper tips heated electrically - often via a Lo-Volt transformer. The Copper tips are usually iron-plated to extend their life and are available in various shapes and sizes to suit the work in hand.

Features and Applications

Low power electric Soldering Irons are commonly in the range 15W - 25W and used extensively for electronics work. They are used together with Multi-Core Solder which ensures that a suitable non-corrosive (i.e. often Rosin Based) Flux is supplied alongside the molten soft solder.

Higher power electric Soldering Irons are available for larger work (e.g. up to 500W) but even these may not be able to supply enough heat when working with large pieces of conductive metals - as in Beaten Metalwork for example.

Maintenance

The tip, or ‘bit‘, of all soldering irons must be kept clean and coated with a thin layer of solder - a process known as ‘Tinning’. This is achieved with electric Soldering Irons by regularly wiping them on a wet sponge (often provided as part of a soldering station) then melting on to it a small amount of Multi-Cored Solder.

DT Online Buyers' Guide

Soldering Iron Station	Multicore Solder	LED Magnifier with Clamps and Soldering Stand	Soldering Mat	Soldering Flux	Soft Solder	Bakers Soldering Fluid	Solder Flux Brushes	Gas Soldering & Brazing Torch