FAQ
How do I clean soldering tips from oxidation build-up so as not to damage the surface?
Modern soldering tips are no longer made of copper, so it is strictly forbidden to clean them with an abrasive! A cellulose sponge damped with water or glycerine or metal shavings are perfect for doing the job. With proper care, your tips will serve you for a long time without any major loss of performance.
Despite setting the soldering iron to its maximum temperature, the tip keeps getting stuck in the solder when soldering large components. Does this mean my soldering iron is faulty?
No, it doesn’t. Use a larger tip. Due to the large amount of solder, thin tips cool down quickly, resulting in poor soldering quality. For such purposes, K-type (knife) tips are best suited.
What are the best temperatures for soldering to avoid overheating components?
Most standard solders with a composition of 60-63% tin and 37-40% lead have a melting temperature of approximately 190°C. When using alloy solders, their melting temperature is indicated on the packaging. The melting temperature of lead-free solders is typically around 220°C.
Do I have to unplug the soldering station from the power outlet every time?
Yes, you do, if your soldering station isn’t equipped with a master switch breaking the electrical circuit with the outlet.
How can I desolder multiple components simultaneously or remove excess solder from the terminals?
For these purposes, it is best to use desoldering braid. Woven from fine copper wire and impregnated with flux, this wick will help you effectively remove excess solder.
The solder on the soldering iron tip turns blue. Does this mean that the solder is of poor quality?
No, it doesn’t. It means you overheated the alloy. Lower the soldering temperature.
What soldering station would suit a beginner best?
Are soldering irons for different models of Lukey soldering stations compatible?
Soldering irons and hot air guns for some stations are indeed compatible but it’s always advisable to check and verify compatibility before making a purchase.
What kind of soldering tips are used with Lukey soldering stations?
Lukey soldering stations use the 900M series soldering tips.