learning how to sold SMD

[KA9JLM]

Did you miss my question? Maybe you just aren't familiar with my particular iron. I have the FX-951. There are so many tips I'm lost.

Here is some info on the tip types for the fx-951 and what one is the best to use, depending on the device/package you are working with.

http://www.tequipment.net/HakkoT15SeriesTips-Page1.html

Good Luck.

73

[W9GB]

Did you miss my question? Maybe you just aren't familiar with my particular iron.
I have the FX-951. There are so many tips I'm lost.

The advice from AC0FP is valid, especially with regard to temperature, 680 to 700 degree F
and solder selection (Kester "44", 63/37 alloy, 0.25" or 0.20" size)
The difference, for your Hakko FX-951,
is that Hakko T15 series soldering tips are used by this specific model series.
http://www.hakko.com/english/tip_sel...eries_t15.html

You will need a handful of tips. Do NOT make the mistake in believing ONE tip will do everything.

START by looking at the Shape D tips. These are the flat-blade screwdriver profile tips.
I like to have a 1/16 (0.062) and 3/32 (0.094) inch screwdriver profile tip for my general soldering work.
These 2 tips can handle general PC board work (thru-hole) and lugs on controls (switches, pots, terminal strips).
http://www.hakko.com/english/tip_selection/type_d.html
I am not an advocate of conical profiles for general soldering work -- I have seen too many conical tips burnt up, as the operator cranks up the temperature to compensate for incorrect tip profile.

For SMD work, the BCM is useful -- BUT Hakko does sell that T15 tip in North America!!
So you are left with the BC series
http://www.hakko.com/english/tip_sel...type_bc_c.html

Depending on your SMD work, the knife, tunnel and spatula (proper size) may be useful.
http://www.hakko.com/english/tip_sel...d-spatula.html

You MATCH the profile and size of the soldering tip to your work (Mass factor).
The biggest mistake are the "knob idiots" --- higher temperatures can NOT solve incorrect tip selection!

THEN, move down to the SMD tips and their descriptions.
http://www.hakko.com/english/tip_sel...eries_t15.html
There are pictorials and some videos to show you how each of these tip series/models
are used in actual SMD work.

[AC0FP]

Did you miss my question? Maybe you just aren't familiar with my particular iron. I have the FX-951. There are so many tips I'm lost.

I'm not a mind reader, how would I know the model of Hakko iron you have?

[KF5FEI]

We have Chinese copies of the old-school Hakko irons and get the knock-off tips from Circuit Specialists. I pretty much do everything with a 1.6 mm chisel tip. Even the 0.5 mm pitch ICs. Practice, practice, practice.