Can I use this soldering iron?

[webstien]

http://shop.vetcosurplus.com/catalog...508303e2756d60

I already have this soldering iron at home, can I use it to recap? It is grounded, 30 watts.

I need to recap my soltek frn2-l.

[dood]

Re: Can I use this soldering iron?

Looks like that would work fine. It's a little bit underpowered, but I've recapped two boards with a 25w RadioShack iron and managed success with both

[webstien]

Re: Can I use this soldering iron?

what kind of desoldering tools did you use?

Also, what is the best size tip + thickness of solder to use?

[larrymoencurly]

Re: Can I use this soldering iron?

I had lots of bad luck with 30W and had to use over 40W to get the solder to flow freely when the cap lead went into the ground or power plane. 50W is better for this.
Ironically, the higher power irons heat up the circuit board less because the job gets done quicker.

Also if you use desoldering braid, get something about 2mm wide, and cut it off right after doing each pin so it won't divert too much heat away from the solder joint.