T12/C245 Soldering stations for rc use

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Rocketzx1

Very Active Member
Military Veteran
Build Thread Contributor
Messages
674
Reaction score
1,235
Points
368
Location
Tennessee
Arrma RC's
  1. Granite Grom
  2. Kraton 4s
  3. Nero
  4. Outcast 4s
  5. Talion EXB
  6. Infraction 4x4
As title says,

Do any of you guys use soldering stations with either the T12 or the C245 tips?

I have a 40watt Weller that’s worked great for the last 5 years, but I find myself wanting better. And a lot of reviews, blog posts, Reddit posts/reviews swear by using either these newer tip types, the T12 or C245. But not a lot of info about those tips did I find on the forums, and so the reasoning for this post.

A lot of people give high praises to the Ksger T12/Quecoo T12 or the Aifen/Aixun A9 C245 using JBC 245 tips.

Are these types of newer tips too much for rc use? I actually like a lot of the features for these tips, much better heat retention, sleep function when placed in the holder, quick swap tips in use, 3 seconds or less tip heating time.

Let me know your thoughts!
 
I am curious. Why are these new style tips better? I have an ebay special soldering station that I paid $59 for about 6 years ago. It's now over $150
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3155596456...NCCKxqlTp2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I could buy one of these new tips to use on it, but I can't think of any reason I would need to since my soldering station does a good job already.

I did buy a bigger collet for it so I could use a Hakko 6mm chisel tip, mainly for doing 10awg wire. But other than it not coming with a tip big enough for 10awg wire, it's been a great investment. The rework station on it is great for doing heatshrink too, which I couldn't do without now.

Whatever soldering station you go with, just make sure you can buy a 6mm tip for it. Having the extra material in the tip helps retain heat, which will improve your soldering of bigger gauge wiring.
 
As title says,

Do any of you guys use soldering stations with either the T12 or the C245 tips?

I have a 40watt Weller that’s worked great for the last 5 years, but I find myself wanting better. And a lot of reviews, blog posts, Reddit posts/reviews swear by using either these newer tip types, the T12 or C245. But not a lot of info about those tips did I find on the forums, and so the reasoning for this post.

A lot of people give high praises to the Ksger T12/Quecoo T12 or the Aifen/Aixun A9 C245 using JBC 245 tips.

Are these types of newer tips too much for rc use? I actually like a lot of the features for these tips, much better heat retention, sleep function when placed in the holder, quick swap tips in use, 3 seconds or less tip heating time.

Let me know your thoughts!
If you want better, it’s time to step up your wattage. Weller is a good brand, but 40w is borderline for not being able to do a lot of soldering specific to this hobby. I sure wouldn’t try to solder 6/8mm bullets or QS8’s with it.
You can buy a great station for cheap, almost what you’d spend trying different tips. I’ve been using this one for years and it’s great:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RVMZNYR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
This is what I've been using for the past year and a half, and it's been awesome.
Screenshot_20240827_074615_Amazon Shopping.webp
 
Iv got a cheap knockoff hakko 200w soldering station with a handful of cheap ebay tips, depending on application. Had some more expensive tips in the past, but the only thing I noticed was that they cleaned a bit easier. For rc and general application, I like the knife tip/K series style. Big enough to hold heat, wide enough to put that heat in quick and a smaller tip if needed. I use a very small, dull point B/conical tip for smaller pads.
If your soldering battery leads or anything bigger than some 14g, youll appreciate a higher watt system. Tips, eh, not worth it for me.

Proper technique is more important than any of the above. More heat isnt always more better.
 
I am curious. Why are these new style tips better? I have an ebay special soldering station that I paid $59 for about 6 years ago. It's now over $150
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3155596456...NCCKxqlTp2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I could buy one of these new tips to use on it, but I can't think of any reason I would need to since my soldering station does a good job already.

I did buy a bigger collet for it so I could use a Hakko 6mm chisel tip, mainly for doing 10awg wire. But other than it not coming with a tip big enough for 10awg wire, it's been a great investment. The rework station on it is great for doing heatshrink too, which I couldn't do without now.

Whatever soldering station you go with, just make sure you can buy a 6mm tip for it. Having the extra material in the tip helps retain heat, which will improve your soldering of bigger gauge wiring.
These newer cartridge based tips are supposedly better because they do not require as large a tip to do the job, because these cartridge tips hold the temp at a 1% loss or less from what you set the temp at and require less contact time to make the solder joint/s which will lead to less overall heat transfer, reducing the chance of over heating the plastic around the bullets/solder cup you’re trying to solder.

Which is sort of my problem with my little 40watt Weller, it WILL do larger gauge wires but only at max heat setting with prolonged exposure to heat which ends up either melting the plastic around the wire cups or burning myself. I’ve had to redo several battery connector swaps because of prolonged heat exposure melting the plastic.

This is why I wanted to ask, and see what people were thinking about these style of soldering stations.


This is what I've been using for the past year and a half, and it's been awesome. View attachment 387899
I’ve also looked at that exact Weller model, looks like a much better product than my lil 40watt.

Thanks for taking the time and sharing your thoughts, and what you all have been using.
 
So I ended up getting this after much googling and reading.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/276010635436

Uses genuine JBC C245 tips.

I've used it a few times already, mostly messing with those dang power supplies.

Heats up insanely quick, from cold to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 seconds. Keeps temperature, handle is super light weight and comfortable. Cable is long and flexible, has a premium feel to it and doesn't feel cheap. Whole unit is well done. I plan on getting some different tips for different uses.

I recommend this soldering station if anyone is looking for a low cost option.
 
I was suggested that Weller unit before deciding to give this Aixun T3A unit a try. It’s been awesome, takes 2 seconds to heat up solder and make my connections. Super easy to use and I’ve been doing much cleaner soldering overall vs my old Weller 40 watt unit.
 
I was suggested that Weller unit before deciding to give this Aixun T3A unit a try. It’s been awesome, takes 2 seconds to heat up solder and make my connections. Super easy to use and I’ve been doing much cleaner soldering overall vs my old Weller 40 watt unit.
The aixun seems like a beast for the price! Might have to upgrade my weller 40w as well. I’ve been using it for 8awg soldering 😱
 
Back
Top