When it comes to soldering I'm 100% OK with it, but struggling a bit with the large (8 AWG) wires to make it look pretty. The connections are solid in the end but they could be better. So I'm wondering if it's just experience with large wires and or if I'm using the right tools?
My station is a Hakko FX-888D (65W). It works well even on 10 AWG wires. My standard tip is a 3.2mm chisel tip which I swapped to 5.2mm chisel tip for the bigger stuff. It works OK for 8 AWG but it's hard to keep the connect/tab hot and the wire too. So I ordered a 5mm bevel tip in hopes to transfer more heat faster with more surface area.
Another thought is to use a torch. I have Propane, Mapp and Oxy/Mapp options. The nozzles I have are for general use braising materials. Anything Mapp might be a bit overkill?
So here are the questions
Any answer, questions or complaints are welcome.
My station is a Hakko FX-888D (65W). It works well even on 10 AWG wires. My standard tip is a 3.2mm chisel tip which I swapped to 5.2mm chisel tip for the bigger stuff. It works OK for 8 AWG but it's hard to keep the connect/tab hot and the wire too. So I ordered a 5mm bevel tip in hopes to transfer more heat faster with more surface area.
Another thought is to use a torch. I have Propane, Mapp and Oxy/Mapp options. The nozzles I have are for general use braising materials. Anything Mapp might be a bit overkill?
So here are the questions
- What tip do you use for the big wires?
- Do I need more wattage to make easier?
- Thoughts about a torch (butane, propane, etc) and do I need a special nozzle? Has anyone tried this?
Any answer, questions or complaints are welcome.