ERSA MINOR S potency

[Salas]

Hi all

Has anybody ever used this miniature soldering iron? Looks like it can reach a joint easily in crowded assemblies without touching around, but its only 5W. I wonder if it can tackle a through hole 1/4 W resistor joint at least. Any opinions of its usefulness in what situations? They use it a lot in jewellery I have read.  It can be powered from a bench supply or a power adapter.



If inadequate, any experience with the 16W ERSA TIP 260 instead?



http://www.west-l.ru/uploads/tdpdf/260bd_eng_tds.pdf

[MosherIV]

but its only 5W. I wonder if it can tackle a through hole 1/4 W resistor joint at least.

At 5W doubtful or it will take a loooonnnnnng time.

[madires]

The TIP 260 is a good and solid iron for most fine work. But it's not suited for ground planes and larger connectors. Mine is 20+ years old (grey handle) and I'd recommend the 1mm pencil tip.

[Salas]

I have a METCAL PS-900 station and various tips. That system does very well across a range of tasks in assembly and rework but because it has 8mm tip's neck diameter I just want a small enough handle alternative with overall thinner longer heater and tip for reaching to finished projects crowded areas where I could retouch or pull out some small component or a wire connection without danger of burning nearby components. So to avoid full disassembly.

In your experience the TIP 260 has good reach and maneuverability for such operations? Does it heat up acceptably fast for a mains powered iron? I have also the JBC 14ST in mind but the ERSA looks slimmer in the handle's front. Also 5W more powerful.

[Salas]

but its only 5W. I wonder if it can tackle a through hole 1/4 W resistor joint at least.

At 5W doubtful or it will take a loooonnnnnng time.

Precisely my fear too. I like its tiny dimensions and shape though, the twelve seconds heat up time, the light DC cable. Thermal capacity should obviously suck big time, especially for repetitive touches. I would not expect 5W stuff to be popular but maybe someone who repairs mobile phones or alike could have used it so to enlighten us of its precise practical limits.

[Salas]

Lookie! I found some low power super cheap USB iron relevant video. Alright, its an $5 item and who knows how many of them even work in the first place before wondering if they all behave alike, but it serves us to see what 6W capacity can do on joints. 

It does a little something in the end it seems...

[Salas]

Opted for a TS 100 in the end