Did I just buy the wrong soldering iron?

[ayayay!]

I just purchased a Velleman VTSS5 like this:  http://www.buxcomm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23&products_id=1478

What I didn't think about (oops) was that it's 50 watts, and I usually only use 25-30w.  The temp range is 374-896F/175-480C. 

Will I be safe keeping the temp low?  Of course, there's no temp markers on the dial so I have to guess (another oops.)

[johngreene]

It's fine. The higher wattage is actually beneficial since it is temperature controlled. It can dump more heat into connectors and ground tabs when you need it but will keep the temperature from getting too hot.

--john

[ayayay!]

Woohoo!  Thanks John.

Uhh, I guess I'll experiment with the range, but any suggestions on that?  No labeling, but since the range is supposed to be 374 - 896F I'm guessing the midpoint is around 522F, plus or minus 50.  He he. 

[johngreene]

Woohoo!  Thanks John.

Uhh, I guess I'll experiment with the range, but any suggestions on that?  No labeling, but since the range is supposed to be 374 - 896F I'm guessing the midpoint is around 522F, plus or minus 50.  He he. 

Well, you will get a lot of responses with this question. I like to run it a little hot because I'm impatient but I have soldered a lot. I've used everything from a $2800 Metcal station to a Sears/Robuck soldering 'gun' to get the job done. You are entirely within the 'safe' range. So don't stress about it too much!

--john

[Fuzzy-Train]

I have the same one and it works great. The sponge kinda sucks though. You should definitely makes some holes in it to clean the tip better.

If you had a big tip iron before, you'll love this one... makes it soo much easier.

[ayayay!]

Well this is kind of moot at the moment.  I plugged it in and the LED lights up but ZERO heat.  It's DOA.   

[eurekaiv]

If you have to send it back you might want to check out the Circuit Specialists 1A here...   It's the same station as the Hakko 936 for half the price ($40). The wands are interchangeable, there's lots of tips to select from, and it comes with a nice separate stand/sponge tray.