Hi everyone,
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this.
I am Canadian and a woman with small hands. I have been using a very old soldering iron which needs to be replaced. When I went to purchase a new one, everything I find seems to have a longer barrel (I'm not sure the right term) between the handle and the tip. I have a tremor so I need a shorter length to reduce the impact of the shaking. My ancient soldering iron is shorter. I have looked online but so far been unable to find something with a shorter length.
Does anyone know of anywhere to get one? I don't think my old one has any identifying marks still showing on it.
Thanks
For many years I have used an Ungar Princess soldering iron with a separate adjustable heat control. Seems just what you might be looking for. They are not made anymore, but are available on Ebay, etc. Not cheap, but will last for ever. I got mine used, at an estate sale in the 1970's. Get extra tips for the iron. They are not made for heavy soldering, but for anything Arduino, they are fine.
Another Canadian here too.
Suggest you look at Hakko FX-888
Solder with your elbow resting on the table to steady your hand.
The following thread has 1000+ posts on hints in electronics.
Many hints are about soldering tools you can make from everyday objects.
Here is an example of 2 tools, one holds wires while you tin wire ends, a 2nd is a pinch clamp to hold items steady.
Look at the INDEX for interesting posts.
Also, try to rest the #1 part of your hand on the table to lower tremors.
Certainly sounds like a hand/ wrist rest is in order.
Thanks!
Currently I do use a 3rd hand device and don't solder when the tremor is bad (during the day). It's often okay in the evening which works ok usually.
What voltage or temp would you recommend for Arduino? I pretty much only solder boards, add ons and wires. Nothing big or complex.
I like a hot iron.
Suggest you use 63/37 or 60/40 lead/tin solder, a temperature of ~340 is good.
A small amount of liquid flux will improve your solder connections.
I have the same kind of problem. I find that gripping the iron handle normally quickly induces the tremor. I've found that resting the base of my hand on a bean bag or something similar can be helpful. But the steadiest solution for me is to grip the handle backwards - so the palm is facing upward and the base of the hand is closest to the tip end. This seems to work for me because it keeps the fingers uninvolved. I don't know of an iron with a really short heating section.
Edit: Merlot seems to help.
May not be relevant, but a couple of surgeons whom I have observed having a very noticeable tremor, still do a very good job!
I was extremely lucky to get my hands on a Metcal soldering unit where the iron is more like a pen. Looks like this:
Maybe about 1in of exposed tip. I recently checked online and they cost an arm and a leg!
That reminds me - I wonder what happens to da Vinci if the surgeon has a tremor. I'll have to ask if I see the rep some time.
340DegC or 644DegF for all our non SI unit members.
Lead/Tin solder is a definite must.
Use the right sizes tip to ensure enough heat energy.
Tom....
I am a man but I also have a small hand and most soldering irons are not comfortable for me. I recently bought a TS100 soldering iron and I am very satisfied.
For a solder of SMD elements you maybe can see USB soldering irons.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.