Overkill for my first Crack and speedball build?

Boomerangbobbuda · 1967

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Offline Boomerangbobbuda

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on: April 25, 2017, 02:07:01 PM
Weller wes51 soldering station
Kester 63/37 .031 solder 1oz
Quadhands 3rd hand soldering tool and vise
Desoldering wick 5'

These items are all in my amazon cart, but I wonder if I'm overthinking it?

I'm a Honda technician, so I have a good dmm and the tools covered, but I have a giant Snap-on soldering gun and only ever solder 2 wires together. This will be my first small soldering job, but I really don't think it will be the last kit I build, so I'd rather have the soldering items covered and future proof. 

Opinions welcome!



Offline ostoich

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Reply #1 on: April 25, 2017, 02:56:27 PM
I strongly recommend Chemtronics Chem-wik solder wick and a Hakko solder pump. They made desoldering so much easier (when installing and troubleshooting the Speedball).

Eric Ostoich

iMac -> Schiit Bifrost -> Bottlehead Crack w/Speedball -> Sennheiser HD650
Rega RP3 -> Bottlehead Reduction w/Integration -> Yamaha S501 -> Energy RC-70


Offline Boomerangbobbuda

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Reply #2 on: April 25, 2017, 03:01:32 PM
Noted, and thank you very much!



Offline Jay

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Reply #3 on: April 25, 2017, 04:13:16 PM
I like my Weller soldering station.  I got a third hand, but haven't used it much on my Bottlehead projects.  I usually make a mechanical connection before soldering, so the third hand doesn't seem that helpful to me.  It can be more useful if you plan to make your own interconnect cables though.
Jay

Jay L.


Offline Boomerangbobbuda

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Reply #4 on: April 25, 2017, 05:21:49 PM
I actually only picked that when I saw the small speedball boards.



Offline ostoich

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Reply #5 on: April 26, 2017, 10:32:39 AM
One more thing... I can't find which tip comes included on that station but I'd recommend the smallest screwdriver tip you can find (1/16" is ideal for the Speedball boards). Don't waste your money on conical tips.

Eric Ostoich

iMac -> Schiit Bifrost -> Bottlehead Crack w/Speedball -> Sennheiser HD650
Rega RP3 -> Bottlehead Reduction w/Integration -> Yamaha S501 -> Energy RC-70


Offline ianp

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Reply #6 on: April 27, 2017, 10:52:42 AM
I'd add that there are cheaper options available for some of your items. A Weller WLC100 (approx $40) will more than suffice for most run of the mill soldering jobs. Nothing wrong with buying more expensive and sophisticated kit, for me it's all going to depend on how much use it will see.

One thing that helped me with the build was to go through the manual and highlight the steps that require you to attach but not solder. I did this after my first case of soldering too early :)

I have a cheap third hand device but rarely use it as some bluetac or sometimes even blue tape - also handy for the wooden chassis build - can be used to hold small components to a PCB whilst you solder.

Good luck with the build. Take your time, double-check everything and you will be fine.






Offline timindq

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Reply #7 on: April 29, 2017, 03:05:26 PM
I have the Weller WC100 as well and find it's all you'll need for bench soldering.  I wish I had a board holder but find I always am able to make due.
Get a Soldapult solder sucker and don't cheap out on it. A life saver when you need to remove solder.

And best advice was given above. Make sure the instructions say "attach and solder" and not just "attach." How many times have I missed that?

Source: Lumin D2 with SBooster power supply, 2tb SSD attached to Lumin, Pre: Moreplay, Amp: Bryston 2bSST, Speakers: Joseph Audio RM22XL. Setup in large, well treated dedicated listening space.