If this is the case, how does one know what temperature to set this iron? Is this variable temp option really used? I suppose I'm seeking an education for this new toy.
Allen --
650°F to 750°F will handle 99% of you hobbyist soldering needs.
For apprentices and novices (at soldering), variable temperature is BAD NEWS.
Soldering relies on a number of variables that needs to be properly balanced.
1. Solder Alloy formation (Sb/Tin-PB/Lead; RoHS/No-Lead).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SolderTin/lead solders, also called soft solders, are commercially available with tin concentrations
between 5% and 70% by weight.
The greater the tin concentration, the greater the solder’s tensile and shear strengths.
Alloys commonly used for electrical soldering are 60/40 Tin/lead (Sn/Pb)
which melts at 370°F or 188°C and 63/37 Sn/Pb used principally in electrical/electronic work.
The 63/37 is a
eutectic alloy, which:
* has the lowest melting point (183°C or 361.4°F) of all the tin/lead alloys; and
* the melting point is truly a point — not a range.
2. Soldering Techniques and Tip Selection
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SolderingSoldering is a subset of the larger techniques that include Brazing and Welding.
SOLDER IRON TIP SELECTION:
Match the characteristics to the joint to the tip that will perform the work,
The Temperature is a SET ONCE step determined by below and Solder Alloy formulation.
1. PROFILE (Chisel, Screwdriver, Conical, Single Flat, Gull-Wing)
2. SIZE of TIP PROFILE (1/32" to over 1/4"), Hakko uses Metric measures, so convert as needed.
3. OVERALL MASS - Match the size and profile of iron tip to work.
===
OVERALL RECOOMENDATION for Thru-Hole and Point to Point wiring.
Screwdriver or Chisel Tip ; 1/16" or 3/32" size; Set station to 700 °F ;
Use a 60/40 or 63/37 solder with mild flux (Kester 44) of 0.031" to 0.020" diameter.
The 0.025" diameter for your solder is a good compromise,
if you are doing connector and fine PC board work.
ELECRAFT has soldering recommendations, on their web site, or Kit Builders.
SOLDERING TIPS
By Tom Hammond, N0SS (sk)
http://www.elecraft.com/TechNotes/N0SS_SolderNotes/N0SS_SolderNotesV6.pdf