PCB soldering, wondering if my iron is suitable

[usinjin]

Hello,

I'm hoping to get into electronics and PCB soldering. I currently have a Weller SP23LK (25 watt), which seems pretty good, except it needs a new tip. I was wondering if this is a good iron for what I have in mind--my next project is to try to re-solder some blown capacitors on a motherboard (they're very tiny). I could keep my current iron, or I was even looking to get a station like the WES51. Is the SP23LK good enough for tiny-electronics work, or would a nicer setup like a station be a good idea? Thanks.

 

[eramit123456]

use flux soldering by using flux solder you can do small soldering very well...

 

[BradtheRad]

A pointed tip is just the thing for very fine work.

Is your station portable? Got everything you need with it? Portability is a plus. (I recall making trips up and down stairs to fetch tools I forgot.) Flux? Sponge or wire pad? Solder? Component holder with alligator clips and magnifying glass? Razor blade? Needle-nose pliers? Extension cord? By now you're needing a suitcase.

I use a sharpening stone for scraping tarnish off wires, metal contacts, etc. (Second best is sandpaper or razor blade.)

I use a 100 W gun for most all soldering. For fine work I wedge a heavy wire loop in the tip. This is because of something I once read in an excellent electronics book. The author says you want high power, to heat up a joint quickly, get in, melt the solder, get out. In contrast a low watt tool is less desirable because it takes longer time to heat things to soldering temperature, allowing heat to spread to other solder joints.