Modular Synth Panels

I use a GC Electronics Model 12-070 Temperature Controlled Soldering 
Station.  It is about 30 years old and no longer available, although the
XYtronic 168-3C is a close match.

http://www.xytronic-usa.com/168_index.htm

I found it interesting that I was able to build my entire MOTM 
synthesizer over the past six years without having to change the tip!

Richard Brewster
http://www.pugix.com

sduck409 wrote:
> I seriously doubt that my techniques are optimal, but they generate great results. One day 
> perhaps I will be able to buy a soldering "station", but in the meantime I'm using a weller 
> WP35 iron, with the ST1 tips (which are cleverly designed to last a long time but not as 
> long as one would like, but are available cheaply at digikey). I use the kester 331 for most 
> stuff, just washed with hot water and an old toothbrush. Kester 245 for anything thats not 
> washable. 
>
> I used a rat shack 25 watt iron for the first 2 years I was building. The only real problem 
> with it was that the tips that fit it only lasted 8-12 hours on-time. The weller tips last 
> considerably longer. 
>
> Solder from the back (non-component) side, leads clipped after soldering - no need to get 
> too anal about all this. Works. 5 years, and all modules constructed this way working 
> perfectly - never had a problem with a bad solder. 
>
>
> --- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <steve@...> wrote:
>   
>> I'm glad people started talking about soldering- its a much
>> under-reviewed topic.
>>
>> From discussion with Paul Schreiber as well as my own knowledge from
>> my checkered soldering past I've come to the following technique:
>>
>> PCBs: Kester 331 Organic- and washing with Techspray pure Isopropol
>> Alcohol
>>
>> Pots and jacks: Kester 245 No Clean - no cleaning
>>
>> Soldering Station: Weller WES-51 iron with an ETS 1" conical tip
>>
>> Temp: 700F
>>
>> Was it suit and Tie Guy that said he works at 750F?
>>
>> Anyone else want to suggest optimal technique?
>>
>> Any opinions on soldering from the TOP of the dual sided PCB vs bottom? 
>>
>> Dwell time?
>>
>>