Which iron do I need?

[Warby]

So to date I've been using a small butane or an old Weller 240v 40w soldering iron and they have done the job for up to XT90 connectors.

Now I've venturing into 8s systems with QS8's, 8mm bullet connectors and 8 gauge wires.

What wattage iron will I needs? Would 60w be enough? They will be 240v.

This is what my local hardware store has.

 

[BashingBrian]

I use a 60w on everything right up to 8g wire, for bullets ideally you want a small blowtorch type heat device

This video of Brandon's, shows the method of fitting bullets the easy way..!!

 

[Bustedaw11]

I use a 60w on everything right up to 8g wire, for bullets ideally you want a small blowtorch type heat device

This video of Brandon's, shows the method of fitting bullets the easy way..!!

Gotta appreciate a good soldering clip.

+1 on the 60w. Love weller's

 

[Warby]

I use a 60w on everything right up to 8g wire, for bullets ideally you want a small blowtorch type heat device

This video of Brandon's, shows the method of fitting bullets the easy way..!!

Thanks for the vid

 

[GraniteFox]

Been using Duratrax TrakPower TK-950 Soldering Station for quite some time now and have no complaints. Many times the smaller irons don't get hot enough or take too long to get to temp. You can find them on ebay for cheap every once and a while.

 

[Warby]

Been using Duratrax TrakPower TK-950 Soldering Station for quite some time now and have no complaints. Many times the smaller irons don't get hot enough or take too long to get to temp. You can find them on ebay for cheap every once and a while.

So that's another 60w vote.

 

[BashingBrian]

This is the blowtorch I use https://pro-iroda.com/products/butane-soldering-irons/solderpro-50/
It's great for bullets, also change the tip for heat shrink, and you can solder with it too I mainly use it as a torch though.
The thing I like about it the most is it's so small and light.

 

[Warby]

This is the blowtorch I use https://pro-iroda.com/products/butane-soldering-irons/solderpro-50/
It's great for bullets, also change the tip for heat shrink, and you can solder with it too I mainly use it as a torch though.
The thing I like about it the most is it's so small and light.

Yes thanks, I've got blow torches. The butane soldering iron I have can also be used as one.

 

[Senton_Prime]

X-Tronic 3090 pro X.. made in the USA!!

 

[dure16]

Hakko FX888D has served me well. 8awg and QS8s without any trouble.

 

[Warby]

Hakko FX888D has served me well. 8awg and QS8s without any trouble.

65w. Thanks

 

[dure16]

65w. Thanks

I also have a cheap 80W iron but the Hakko 65W seems much more powerful when soldering. Not sure why.

 

[Bustedaw11]

I also have a cheap 80W iron but the Hakko 65W seems much more powerful when soldering. Not sure why.

Cheap vs quality. Cheap probably doesn't actually have it

 

[chris adams]

I use a Weller 80w for 6 to 7awg wire with big connectors. That 60w should work fine too though. I would still lean towards the 80w personally though.

 

[Warby]

I use a Weller 80w for 6 to 7awg wire with big connectors. That 60w should work fine too though. I would still lean towards the 80w personally though.

The 80w is only $5 more than the 60w Weller so I might as well get it, if it's in stock.

 

[Dan B.]

I’m gonna say buy a digital soldering station for sure. I have a super inexpensive one that just works a treat. 900° for QS8’s or bullets makes the job perfect in seconds. And it regains heat very quickly. I feel you will struggle with a 60 watt iron, it’s right on the border of being able to get the job done. It sounds counterintuitive but if you solder a QS8 at 850-900° it puts much less heat into the connector itself and prevents the cables from conducting dangerous temps back into the ESC or battery. That’s because you’re making the connection very, very quickly rather than keeping a lower temperature iron on it for far longer to get the job done.
A decent station and this specific solder will make you look like a hero and save a lot of frustration. The items below will have you looking like a pro with a little practice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RVMZNYR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X4KS7O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR49JY1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZIV85A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Senton_Prime]

Hard to beat the 3090's price point with everything it comes with.. js

 

[Warby]

I’m gonna say buy a digital soldering station for sure. I have a super inexpensive one that just works a treat. 900° for QS8’s or bullets makes the job perfect in seconds. And it regains heat very quickly. I feel you will struggle with a 60 watt iron, it’s right on the border of being able to get the job done. It sounds counterintuitive but if you solder a QS8 at 850-900° it puts much less heat into the connector itself and prevents the cables from conducting dangerous temps back into the ESC or battery. That’s because you’re making the connection very, very quickly rather than keeping a lower temperature iron on it for far longer to get the job done.
A decent station and this specific solder will make you look like a hero and save a lot of frustration. The items below will have you looking like a pro with a little practice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RVMZNYR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X4KS7O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR49JY1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZIV85A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Thanks for the info

Hard to beat the 3090's price point with everything it comes with.. js

View attachment 331302

Only available in 110/120v unfortunately.

 

[SrC]

All I can say is that the Temp. recovery ability of a specific Iron matters. If the Tip cools down too much and fast, when applying heat to the joint, this ruins a wet dream. Some Irons let you know the Tip needs to recover its set Temp. Because it cooled down, the joint being a Heatsink of sorts. A quality soldering station can sustain its set Temp precisely. And shows it on the display. What separates the men from the boys. I always solder with 750+ F setting at a minimum for large gauge connectors and wiring.
And always use a Large Blunt Tip for the large gauge stuff. Not doing this is simply the wrong way. I see many Noobs do this. Using pencil tips.

 

[Warby]

All I can say is that the Temp. recovery ability of a specific Iron matters. If the Tip cools down too much and fast, when applying heat to the joint, this ruins a wet dream. Some Irons let you know the Tip needs to recover its set Temp. Because it cooled down, the joint being a Heatsink of sorts. A quality soldering station can sustain its set Temp precisely. And shows it on the display. What separates the men from the boys. I always solder with 750+ F setting at a minimum for large gauge connectors and wiring.
And always use a Large Blunt Tip for the large gauge stuff. Not doing this is simply the wrong way. I see many Noobs do this. Using pencil tips.

Thanks for the tip about the tips. So get a chisel tip.