Re: Apple IIgs Upgrade From Apple //e

["Mark Cummings" <NOTfigjams@primus.com.au>]

> I bought one of these just a couple of years ago, after using the
> spring-type soldersucker for decades. I was amazed at how much better this
> iron works. It's a bit awkward, and doesn't make that satisfying KACHUNK
> noise like the springloaded sucker does, but it's way better. The reason
is
> that it keeps the heat on while sucking, and holds a vacuum until the
solder
> at the bottom of the hole melts. With the springloaded sucker, you have to
> remove the iron to get the sucker's tip directly over the hole, so it
cools
> some. If you haven't heated all the way thru, it doesn't clear the hole.
>
> At work I have a super fancy desoldering station that uses a venturi to
> create a vacuum. It doesn't work as well as that cheap iron with the
rubber
> bulb!  I think the bulb produces a higher suction.
> So I second your post, Scott.
> -Paul

have one of those spring loaded things too, but it's horrible to use
especially on ICs where the legs are often close together preventing you
from getting the thing on properly.

my suggestion to drill out is mainly after the component is removed and
there is still solder that is hard to wick or even suck out. drilling can be
reasonably well controlled with a hand held bit (forgot the name now).

as far as wick goes, I used to hate the stuff, but after I started using it
with flux it was sooo much easier, and gets most jobs done without the need
to find a clean working suction device. ICs would be an exception as they
have too many legs. wick is also a nice way to clean up the old solder from
the board where a suction device is not as practical. just heat the wick and
drag it along the area to be cleaned.

I didn't realize those bulb sucker type irons worked so well not ever having
used one. sounds like I'll have to add it to my tools list. do they have
different tips ?

this reminds me of a funny thing that can occur with some stations... I was
once using a desoldering station and couldn't seem to get it to suck
properly. tried to clean the tip but still had problems. found the suction
cord hanging down not connected and connected it back up not realising I had
accidently connected it to the air out port. added some nice clean solder to
wet the tip and moved it over my GS on a DRAM leg (which had a RAM fault at
the time). hit the pump button and blew solder out all over the place.
ooops, suck not blow !

Mark