Re: Apple IIgs Upgrade From Apple //e

["Paul Grammens" <grammens@svn.net>]

"Scott Alfter" <salfter@salfter.dyndns.org> wrote
>
> Radio Shack also has a desoldering iron...it's basically a 45-watt
soldering
> iron with a hollow tip.  The tip has a rubber bulb attached at the end of
a
> metal arm...squeeze the bulb, put the tip over the joint, melt the solder,
> and let go of the bulb.  You can work the iron with one hand (use your
thumb
> to control the bulb), it's fairly cheap ($10),

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