Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi gang. I just got a digital soldering station on clearance at Radio Shack. What settings/temp should I use on my Rick elecs? Thanks, JD

It's a nice item at a smoking price. Do buy some extra tips for it--the unit is discontinued and tips are already hard to find, JDog.

I can't find any info about the wattage rating, although they do a lot of crowing about the digital readout.

You will need a minumum 40W iron to work on any guitar with grounds soldered to pot cases, if you don't want to wait long minutes to heat up the case. I generally work in the 650°F range, cranking my own station up to 840°F when I need to solder or desolder a pot ground quickly, then turning it down. My own unit (an Edson Loner, Made in USA) heats up and cools down very quickly and has a corrosion-proof tip. These are the two features which I most appreciate; soldering is a chore which a good iron makes tolerable.

I don't think this is the answer you'll want, but as hot as needed to melt the solder to flow into the wire and terminal joint, but not hot enough to melt the insulation on the wire. When soldering to large metal like the pot bodies, you'll need a lot more heat to get the solder to flow to the pot body. I have a 40W pencil type iron at home and can solder cleanly under all conditions because of years of experience. Not bragging, trying to show any iron that gets at least hot enough can be used if used judiciously.

Ha! You type faster, Paul!

When I did a lot of soldering as a bench tech, my tip was at 900 degrees. I liked to get on and off quick. It worked better for me. I also liked the spade tips vs the conical ones. Now that was for circuit boards, but I did use the same setup for soldering to pots.

charlyg wrote:I liked to get on and off quick. It worked better for me.

Me too - a hotter tip and a quick soldering. [let's keep it clean, please!]

This might help for the tips....

"Tips are available. A three pack from Sears,Craftsman No.954023."

I don't know if they work or not, just spotted this comment and thought I'd post it.

You'll need to use more heat is the solder you use is lead-free. If the solder contains lead, it will melt at a lower temperature. The guidelines Paul described would be good to follow. Remember to keep your iron tip tinned (apply a little solder to it) when not using it. It will last longer and transfer heat better.