Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station

Should be fine operationally. Just not gonna click after being melted.. What kind of iron did you use? If it melted it out, I'm guessing you have an $8 iron in one of those kits. They're problematic because they just go to max heat all the time.. The weller wlc100 40-watt was my iron for like 15 years and worked just fine for this kind of bigger stuff (and is like 40 bucks).. Temp control is crucial: https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=soldering+iron+weller&qid=1597869810&sr=8-5

I have a Weller WLC100, the tip that came with is is a flat chisel style tip that makes it hard to run the soder on the wire. I haven't sodered in like 10 years and after a couple of attempts I just can't seem to get it to stick. Thats why I'm looking for someone to professionally help me, as I don't know anyone IRL to help me out. The job looks simples but after failing I just be willing to pay someone to do it right.

Recently gotten into soldering. Had a very similar kit and used to it unsolder keyboard switches. Burned off a few pads because of the soldering iron. (Luckily I learned how to bridge switches). I bought a better soldering iron from Home Depot this one and no longer had any issues.

In fact unsoldering and soldering felt 10x easier and smoother than the one I got with kit.

I worked in electronics manufacturing for many years and for home use I use a simple Weller like this. For commercial use I always spec's Metcals.

I cannot recommend this sub enough: r/MechanicalKeyboards These folks will help you a ton.

I've put together a couple of boards myself. I think the biggest mistake I made was getting a cheap soldering iron. After struggling with my first build, I upgraded to a Weller that worked well for me. I notice this one is on sale on Amazon right now too.

Also, be patient. I rushed through my first kit (with the cheap iron) and botched it to the point that I ruin the PCB. In my second attempt, I did about 1/4 of the switches a day to space it out and keep my hands from cramping.

How important is being able to set the temp versus just adjusting the power? How much power is enough? Is this one a recipe for frustration? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AS28UC

So like this?

You really don’t need to spend $120 on a soldering station, something like this would be enough if the OP isn’t doing a lot of work: Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FA5fEbE6TR4DA

I’ve had this particular one for 8 years now and it’s been pretty good to me, never had a problem with it. I’ve used it for little trivial repairs to a bunch of NESRGB installs back when I did modding commissions.

One like this or similar Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RnPqFbTRZACES

I like the Weller WLC100. It's cheap and you can get better tips for it. Been rocking one for near 15 years and it still works great!

Get something with temperature control. Also make sure it has super thin tips you can purchase if it doesn't come with one because the boards are so small. I use this one and it has treated me well.

I don’t know exactly the one that I borrowed with the hot air, but my personal station is the Weller WCL-100 40-Watt

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000AS28UC?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Oh yeah you are correct I do add more flux before joining the two. Wet sponge works but then you have to keep it wet and replace it at some point. The brass sponge you just empty every once in a while. Both work great. I prefer the brass because you can just stick the tip in and wiggle it around and it comes out clean instead of having the look and see what part is dirty and then clean that part. And yeah the tip being dark when you go to use it is the oxidation. Always tip the tip before turning the iron off or when it's not in use. This is a great cheap iron highly recommend it

What is your opinion on this soldering station?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AS28UC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Assuming you meant soldering iron. This Weller 40 watt soldering iron and station is highly recommended, but I can't vouch personally.

A cheap knock off for $12 is not a horrible.wayntonstart, but if you want something more official and longer lasting I would recommend this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=weller&qid=1598300829&sr=8-4

Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VFGlEbT1J2906 I use this one. Make sure you keep the tip clean. Maybe its jsut the lighting but that one looks almost rusty? Wont work well like that

It sounds a lot like a broken solder joint on the socket unfortunately. The bad news it that you'll need to disassemble the board to get access to the pcb, but the good news is that it'll probably be a really easy fix. I'd recommend taking a look at the PCB to check whether the socket itself is damaged or if it's just a broken/loose joint. Assuming it's a bad joint, the actual repair is stupid simple, all you need to do is remelt the solder on the joint and maybe flow some more solder on for good measure.

I use this iron for most of my soldering and it's held up fine through the years.

I know you said that you want to get a decent iron for later, but If you want a quick and easy fix you really don't need something that expensive. Any $10 iron on amazon is more than enough to fix a single joint.

So I own that Hakko iron and it is fantastic. However, if you're just starting out it might be overkill for your needs.

I'd recommend also checking out this iron and getting a smaller tip to go with it. This is what I started with and had served me well the past couple years until I decided to upgrade.

Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_rsgOEb58HSB8Q

Yes. Simply by holding soldering heat on a board too long. A second or two is all it takes when you have a decent soldering iron and are using the correct temp and technique. The board might still look fine but something can get toasted internally which definitely sounds like what has happened. Buy a decent iron and a couple cheap Diatone practice boards.

Practice Board

Cheapest Soldering Iron Worth Owning

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/

I have several. The Weller I have had for more than 13 years. pretty basic and works like a charm. You can get it on Amazon for about 40$.

I don't like the plastic solder suckers, but there's one heated solder sucker which I've had good luck with.

Solder sucker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008DJRYIG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_v64MFbK57708P

The iron pushes you up $10 over but it's worth it, not sure of any $30 irons that are any good (but would be very happy to be corrected here).

Soldering iron: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_P94MFb3V1402S

If you spend a little more you can get a way better iron. The KSGER T12 is an amazing soldering station for the money, and is only $10-$20 more.

Gotcha, well i have this one and i cant recommend it enough for the casual user. I solder rc junk with it all the time and its been perfect! https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=weller+soldering+station&qid=1590227000&sr=8-6

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Also recommend picking up a couple of different tips for it. The fine point tips are great for smaller stuff while the stock one is perfect for bigger power leads.

Based on the question of the thread itself, I'm going to take a wild guess that the soldering skills are non-existent, but to that I say: OP, now is the perfect time to buy a soldering iron and to learn how.

You are faced with the choice of spending $38 (or $19, though I recommend the adjustable station) and spending a little time learning a new skill on a thing that is really hard to permanently damage. Either that, or you can spend $50 taking it to a tech for them to touch a hot iron to it for 3 seconds and having them do it for you.

If you have questions about soldering, I can help out, I do a lot of it. It's super easy to do and people are too intimidated by it for what a simple task it is. I think if people just tried it once, they'd no longer worry about it. (I used to be this way and I taught myself how many years ago after paying an idiot local tech to install my new pickups and he dropped hot solder on the paint of my new Rickenbacker).

What I own, have built three boards with, and am reasonably satisfied with: Weller WLC-40 (adjustable, but on a knob like a toaster, not actual degrees)
What I kinda wish I had: TS100

A standard p bass harness will do. It’s the same design, just the pickup style and jack location that are different. You can find lots of soldering tutorials on YouTube, get some flux and some rosin core solder. Get an iron with adjustable temperature range. This is a good starter soldering iron though I would recommend getting a small pencil tip rather than the wide tip it comes with.

Well, that depends on your budget. If you want something mid/higher end, chances are it's sold out and you'll have to get it on the secondary market like r/mechmarket.

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If you want a solid starter build, I'd recommend getting the tofu kit from KBDFans. Regarded as one of the better quality starter kits around for the price. They have pretty much all the parts you'll need there. Those being: Kit (case/pcb/plate), stabilizers, switches, lube, keycaps. Cheap soldering irons can be found on Amazon, I'm using this one: https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC and its great.

From his older videos he's said he uses the Weller WLC100. Looks like it's still the same one in this video. I'm not even close to being as good of a solderer as he is, but I would recommend an adjustable temperature iron instead of an adjustable wattage iron. This video review settled it for me, and I am super happy with my T12 KSGER station.

Getting all that stuff for that price probably couldn't hurt. When I've bought cheap soldering irons though, they tend to be "single-use" and then end up in the trash.

I've used this iron at several jobs and for years in my own personal use: https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=weller+soldering+iron&qid=1596221624&s=industrial&sr=1-4

Not that much more expensive, but doesn't come with all the trinkets.

Thanks for your experience. I think I've chalked up my difficulty getting good joints in the past to my (non-adjustable) pen not getting hot enough, which I'm still thinking has some big percentage of influence.

However, the recommendation on stand and metal mesh definitely jives with the technique tutorials I've been digesting. It's nice to know you agree they really help.

Since I DON'T have an adjustable iron, do you think this Weller 40W is adequate for pedal work? https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&aaxitk=giEiClHSyhDiNZ7e1qZ0.g&hsa_cr_id=6323637260801&ref_=sb_s_sparkle

I second anyone who has suggested the ifixit toolkits especially since they don't actually cost to much more than a cheapo one on amazon if you catch it on the right day. As for soldering irons I have used the super cheap ones and some of the higher end ones (currently a Weller WES51 guy) and would say don't cheap out on an iron. Yes you can get one from Walmart or Harbor Freight that will work, but you'll burn through the tip in no time while you're learning and its hard to find good replacement tips so you'll most likely end up just buying another whole iron over and over again. I would recommend sticking with a hot stick from Weller or Hakko. They are pretty cheap and you can get the tips easily in many different shapes when you start getting better. Not to mention if you want to do mod work you'll need a smaller tip than what normally comes on an iron.

I would recommend Weller over Hakko if you're buying on amazon because there are so many fake Hakkos on amazon. Here are a couple amazon links to the Wellers I recommend to friends and family who want to try and fix something. This one is just a hot stick you plug into the wall. https://www.amazon.com/Weller-SP40NKUS-40-Watts-Soldering-Iron/dp/B00B3SG7F0/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=weller+soldering+iron&qid=1587742179&sr=8-9 Here's one Hakko hot stick, or at least what is advertised as a Hakko on amazon, That will also do the job. https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-503F-V12ED-503F-Soldering-Screwdriver/dp/B007OSH504/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=hakko+soldering+iron&qid=1587742080&sr=8-15

This one is sort of like a solder station and has very coarse temperature controls, but can also just be plugged into the wall if you decide to do it that way. https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=weller+soldering+iron&qid=1587742179&sr=8-5

Both of these are 40W and that should be enough for a beginner (it's what I started with), but the main thing is to practice soldering or re-flowing joints on circuit boards. If you have a junk board just practice touching up joints on the board until you feel more comfortable with it and move on to more complex stuff from there.

Hope this helps and best of luck learning to fix some stuff.

Thank you very much for the reply!

I do have a cheap heat gun (not a hair dryer) & i have "Weller WLC100" soldering station that I got from 2 years ago:

https://i.imgur.com/ZYdxfrW.jpg

But that Weller soldering station looks like it's only 40W:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AS28UC

Does that mean I should find another soldering station that's 50W or over?

 

It's sad on my part that I am paying more than the cost of the factory new Race 3 just to repair this, but I also got these:

https://i.imgur.com/MrGBbpx.png

I probably don't need a flux paste with the solder wicks that I am getting... I probably don't need most of these for my Race 3, but I wanted to eventually get into soldering anyways.

Again, thank you for the detailed explanation - i've already watched a couple of YouTube videos soldering for beginners (i didn't even know what a solder wick was until you mentioned it).

 

Soldering became my favorite part of this hobby (as far as the build aspect)

Just take your time with it when you're first learning and pick up a quality iron, 63/37 rosin core solder, and Solder Sucker.

This is one of the best beginner soldering irons.
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC

And this is a phenomenal 3 part series on learning to Solder. Generally, you'll only need to watch parts 1 and 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5Sb21qbpEQ

Enjoy!

Youtube Channels

Afrotechmods and GreatScott! are really good electrical engineering channels. Afrotechmods focuses on the basic stuff, and GreatScott! is a bit more advanced. Check out his "Electronic Basics" Series. That series covers some basic stuff too, but it has a lot more complex stuff like Reactive Power and Impedance. ElectroBOOM is also another great channel and he basically blows shit up "accidentally," but also teaches you along the way.

If you are looking for something related to software, I would highly suggest the youtube channel "DroneBot workshop." He teaches a lot of stuff related to Arduino, and hopefully you find that useful.

Oh yeah, and also the youtube channel "ALL ABOUT ELECTRONICS" is another really good channel. He goes into very specific topics, and he explains it well.

Youtube is probably the best source for learning so just use it wisely.

Books

I'm not sure how interested you are in books, but a book I would recommend is called "Principles of Electrical Engineering and Electronics" by V.K. Mehta and Rohit Mehta. This book goes from simple stuff like Ohm's Law to complex stuff like phasor algebra and three-phase circuits. It also teaches all the math involved, which is one of the things you were asking for.

Materials

As for materials, getting one of those kits is really great because they give all the things you need to get started, like resistors, capacitors, and breadboards and a bunch of other stuff. If you are going the Arduino route, there are tons of kits out there and you can find them from Amazon. If not, you can always buy separate component kits for diodes, capacitors, resistors, transistors, inductors, and other components. I would suggest you look around and find which kits suit you best. Also, jumper wires are a must for breadboard protoyping. But if you get one of those Arduino kits, you get all these things. Just not a lot of each. Also, alligator clips are handy at times.

As for soldering, I use this soldering station. I'm telling you right now, makes sure you get one that is good. Don't get a cheap one hoping to save a few bucks because my first one that was really cheap caused me so much problems and, after using it a few times, the tip would sometimes fall off and it didn't melt the solder at all.

Another good kit to buy is an IC kit. These aren't necessary, but they are very useful. If you instead want to buy your ICs for specific projects, you can go here. That website also has other components apart from ICs and I'll leave it to you to browse it to your heart's content.

I'm gonna leave it to your judgement as to what multimeter you should get. There are tons of youtube videos out there, so yeah

Also, you need a power supply. You can either build one, buy one, or simply use a battery in conjunction with a buck or boost converter to get a a variable voltage. If you are gonna build one, here is a good video. If you are gonna buy one, I would suggest to just research as I don't really use a proper supply lol. I just use a battery and a buck-boost converter to get the job done.

Software

LTSpice is an amazing circuit simulation software. It is easy-to-use and very customizable.

All these things that I have covered were more so circuit-oriented than Arduino or Raspberry Pi related but hopefully you find it useful.

Have a great day! :)

I’ve used this for a couple years now - Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/ Although I wish I had a dual solder and hot air station. I also got a tip cleaner (Hakko 599B-02 Wire-type soldering iron tip cleaner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPGDLA/) & flux (SRA Soldering Products Rosin Paste Flux #135 In A 2 oz Jar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ZIV85A/) has upped my game.

There are probably better quality tips but I’ve used a fine tip from this pack for small detail work. Depends on your technique. ShineNow ST Series Soldering Tip for Weller WLC100,WP25, WP30 WP35 5pcs Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076ZQZQ8W/

Hopefully some of this info helps

http://minuszerodegrees.net/

Lots of useful info there.

http://minuszerodegrees.net/5151/problems/5151_known_problems_issues.htm
http://minuszerodegrees.net/5151/misc/5151_glowing_heater.htm
http://minuszerodegrees.net/5151/misc/5151_flyback_transformer.htm

> Trying to figure out ahead of time if I need to solder as my current iron is a decade old cheapo fire hazard, and I dont want to risk burning down a cosmetically pristine 5151 or my house.

Oh, come on. A Weller WLC100 isn't that expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC

Bare minimum is soldering iron, solder and flux, for what you need to do. Probably set you back to the 50-60$ range. Here are some links (non affiliate) that are pretty close to what I use.

Minimum solder soldering iron flux

Extras tip cleaner solder braid and pump multimeter - too many options here.

>I do have a cheap heat gun (not a hair dryer) & i have "Weller WLC100" soldering station that I got from 2 years ago:
>
>https://i.imgur.com/ZYdxfrW.jpg
>
>But that Weller soldering station looks like it's only 40W:
>
>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AS28UC

That's on the lower end, but should be enough. Soldering, at least at the level we are doing, is not an exact science.

​

>It's sad on my part that I am paying more than the cost of the factory new Race 3 just to repair this, but I also got these:
>
>https://i.imgur.com/MrGBbpx.png

Check the tips that you have for your iron. You should have at least a \~2mm chisel and a 0.8-1mm fine tip. I also recommend you to spend money for a quality tip as the tip makes a huge difference in soldering quality. And with a good tip, you don't need the tip tinner.

​

>I probably don't need a flux paste with the solder wicks that I am getting... I probably don't need most of these for my Race 3, but I wanted to get into soldering anyways.

As I wrote above, you shouldn't use flux. It causes more problems than you want to deal with. The wick has already flux in it, and for soldering you shouldn't use it anyways.

​

>Again, thank you for the detailed explanation - i've already watched a couple of YouTube videos soldering for beginners (i didn't even know what a solder wick was until you mentioned it).

Watch some more :-) But keep in mind, soldering is a craft. Something that you have to learn by doing. You have no idea how many PCBs I screwed up in the past 20 years... and I'm still just average at it and not an expert at all. I have friends who can do magic with a soldering iron!

Here's a quick list of the stuff I started with.

[ ] Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AS28UC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_uI6rEb75V6VR7 [ ] Weller ST7 ST Series Conical Solder Tip Hobbyist for WP25, WP30 and WP35 Irons, 0.031" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002BSP4K/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_PJ6rEbBK1DH1X [ ] MG Chemicals 8341 No Clean Flux Paste, 10 milliliters Pneumatic Dispenser (Complete with Plunger & Dispensing Tip) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00425FUW2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_CK6rEbHXR8QFF [ ] Hakko CHP 3-SA Stainless Steel Non-Magnetic Precision Tweezers with Very Fine Point Tips for Microelectronics Applications, 4-3/4" Length https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPEWI6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_7K6rEb56D2Q56 [ ] Micro Cutter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPDG1K/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_IL6rEb2HW64XD [ ] Hakko CHP PN-2007 Long-Nose Pliers, Flat Nose, Flat Outside Edge, Serrated Jaws, 32mm Jaw Length, 3mm Nose Width, 3mm Thick Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPHEW2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_8L6rEb0VQWW1K [ ] DMM https://www.harborfreight.com/11-function-digital-multimeter-with-audible-continuity-61593.html [ ] WYCTIN 60-40 Tin Lead Rosin Core Solder Wire for Electrical Soldering and DIY 0.0236 inches(0.6mm) 0.11lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071G1J3W6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_XN6rEbWM3XDYV [ ] Tabiger Solder Wick & Desoldering Pump, Solder Sucker & Desoldering Wick, 2pcs Solder Braid (2.5mm Width, 1.5m Length)- Desoldering Vacuum Pump Solder Remover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0777LMVTT/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_3O6rEbBXVAYW6 [ ] Isopropyl Alcohol [ ] Toothbrush [ ] Hyper Tough TS99818A 44-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set with Case http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-TS99818A-44-Piece-Precision-Screwdriver-Set-with-Case/17190613 [ ] Hakko 599B-02 Wire-type soldering iron tip cleaner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPGDLA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_tR6rEb2CP11WW

It really all depends on what you want to repair. A lot of this stuff I've supplemented/replaced depending on my needs, but they worked well when I started. Keep in mind you might have to invest in some more bits (gamebit, and those weird intellivision ones come to mind) or bigger screwdrivers. Hope this helps, let me know if there's anything specific you're looking to do though.