Antex Vintage Soldering Iron SK1 Kit

The Model SK.1 Kit, also called SK1 Kit, was a package deal by the Antex Corporation of UK, consisting of a 15 W pencil soldering iron fitted with a 3/16-inch bit. They also supplied it with spare bits consisting of one 5/32-inch bit, and one 3/32-inch bit. The package also consisted of a heat sink, solder, stand, and a "How to Solder" booklet, and it retailed at £2.75 plus an additional 12 pence postage charge. It is without a doubt that the British firm Antex make the world's finest soldering irons, and if you do not believe me, then just have a look at this vintage precision soldering iron bought in 1973 that is still operating perfectly! Most students and amateurs make the mistake of choosing a cheap high wattage soldering iron, falsely thinking that larger wattage means more power, and therefore better... However, you need to choose the lowest wattage soldering iron, and something like the Antex CS18 soldering iron, which is 18-watts, is ideal for working with through-hole packages. You can make some very nice shiny soldering with that, and it is always satisfying to look at the finished board with shiny soldering instead of carbon scoring everywhere. You get a feeling of satisfaction for a job well done.

I remember when I was in college they had those cheap 40 W soldering irons made in the Far East, and it always resulted in scored circuit boards and detached copper pads, in the hands of students. It is awful when you apply a little heat to the joint and the board burns leaving carbonised burnt marks. Some of the beginner students used to have puzzled looks on their faces because they did not know what was happening...

The secret to the Antex soldering iron is in their long-life bits, which transfers the heat evenly to the joint. The bit supplied with the CS18 should last a beginner through college and university, and probably longer depending upon usage patterns.

The Antex C250 V

The Antex model C250 V is a pencil soldering iron. Pencil soldering irons are pencil thin and incredibly light and comfortable to hold. They are ideal for the electronic engineer who solders every day all day long. Back in 1973, my soldering iron, the C-250 V-15W, cost £2.75 + 12 pence postage, and packing. That was a lot of money back then, but does not seem like a lot now. My only regret is that I did not buy more of these!

What makes this soldering iron so great is that it has a ceramic inner shaft, which provides near perfect electrical insulation. Hence, you can solder those sensitive CMOS chips without worrying about damaging them. The outer bit slides over the inner ceramic shaft without any fuss or bother of screws that you may find with other soldering irons.

The amazing thing about the ceramic heating element of the Antex is that it keeps a perfectly constant temperature, producing nice and shiny solder joints.

This Article Continues...