The WLC100 Soldering Station is a hand tool used in soldering. Soldering irons are used for melting solder and applying it to metals that are to be joined. Soldering irons can be used for assembling and repairing electronics, creating circuits, working on jewelry and more. Bring the item you wish to solder with you when planning to use this equipment.
The library also offers access to a CO-Z 858D Rework Station.
What does the Makerplace provide?
- WLC100 Soldering Iron
- Sponge
- Wire cutters
- Metal scraps
What do I need?
Bring the item you wish to solder and any additional pieces you're planning to solder with.
How do I use it?
- Turn on unit with rocker switch.
- Set power control knob to 5 to heat tool.
- Adjust control to a lower setting.
- Tip: Keep it at the lowest heat you possibly can to accomplish your task. A higher heat setting could potentially damage sensitive components.
- Remove tool from holder and tin tip with solder - you can now begin soldering.
What materials can I use?
You can use metal that has been cleaned. If you need to clean your metal try using steel wool, a file, emery cloth or something similar.
This equipment is available to use free of charge. You may bring your own materials to assist in using this equipment (all outside materials must be approved by makerspace staff before use).
More resources
- Weller WLC100 40-watt Soldering Station Use and Review (video)
- Introduction to Soldering Instructables lesson
- WLC100 Soldering Station Instruction Manual
Tips and tricks
- Ensure that items to be soldered are clean. This can be achieved with wire wood or fine emery cloth. Just because a piece of metal looks bright and clean it may not be.
- Make a good mechanical connection by wrapping wires around each other or around a terminal.
- When applying heat, do not apply it to the solder. Heat the base material (ex. wires) so they become sufficiently hot to melt the solder and flow it into the joint. A small amount of fresh solder on the tip when you begin soldering will help to carry heat from the iron to the joint.
- When solder has been applied to a joint smoothly slide the iron away to leave the joint neat.
- Avoid moving joint or wire after removing iron. Blowing on the joint will speed cooling.
- Avoid too much heat on electrical and electronic components. A heat sink can be used to dissipate heat away from the component.
- Don’t apply more solder than needed. Excess solder can cause short circuits.
- It is advisable to pre-tin components before soldering, especially stranded wire. Twist the strands together, then heat and saturate with solder.
- Sweating a joint is easy after tinning. Just twist wires together and apply heat.
- To desolder a joint, apply heat and use a soldering aid like solder wick to remove solder and separate joint. Be sure to use new solder when re-soldering.
- Fumes from some fluxes can be unpleasant so be sure there is good ventilation in the work area.
- Don’t use a file to clean soldering tip, wiping on a wet sponge when tip is hot should keep tip clean.