Hakko tip for Speedball build

[audiomaniac]

Anybody else have a Hakko FX-888D soldering station? I'm starting my Speedball build and the standard chisel tip that came with it seems too big for working on the PC board. I was wondering what would be the best tip to get. Thanks!

[Strikkflypilot]

I have different chisel tips for my Xytronic station ranging from 1.x mm to 3.x mm.
IMO 2.4 mm Chisel tip is optimal for PCB work like that, about the same size as the solder pads.
Gives great contact to the joint to be soldered.

For most of the rest of the Crack build, I would recommend larger chisel, like 3.x mm

[audiomaniac]

Well, the tip that comes with it is a T18-D16 1.6mm chisel tip. Maybe it's OK. Just seemed big to me with some of the pads being close together. I thought maybe a small pointed tip would be better. Of course, I've never soldered on a PCB before.

[mcandmar]

I also use the 2.4mm chisel on mine, perfect for everything except SMD IC's with fine pitch leads.  Just as well really as the darn thing is stuck so tight i cant get it off again

[audiomaniac]

OK, I guess I will give it a go. Thanks!

[Strikkflypilot]

I recommend PACE soldering tutorials on YOUTUBE.
Problem with 1,6 is it takes a long time to heat up the joint.
The components on the speedball are too big IMO.

For the record, my first build was with a 40W 1/4" iron. A nightmare.

[Chris65]

My preferred tip is the 1.6mm chisel, never had a problem with it heating a joint (or even heatsinks on the PCB's) since I got it, & my Reduction and BeePre turned out pretty ok.

[audiomaniac]

I'm constantly checking out Youtube and this forum for help. You guys are great! Thanks!

[Lar]

I have the same Hakko station, I found the Conical tip worked great for pc boards, and chisel tip for the rest.

[audiomaniac]

I have the same Hakko station, I found the Conical tip worked great for pc boards, and chisel tip for the rest.

Just curious, do you know which conical tip you used?

[mcandmar]

I'm going to guess hes talking about the tip supplied with the iron, a T18-B with a .5mm tip.

http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888d_tips.html#productNav

[Strikkflypilot]

I would take a look at the PACE Youtube vids.
Gives You great tutorials to make solder joints, production line style.
You will see what kind of tips make sense for a certain job.

[audiomaniac]

I would take a look at the PACE Youtube vids.
Gives You great tutorials to make solder joints, production line style.
You will see what kind of tips make sense for a certain job.

Great videos! Thanks

PS. It's not the tip that's the problem, it's my Newbie nerves in soldering a PCB for the first time!