x-tronic 4000 soldering station

Rodman99999, You should not solder at 180degC. Proper temperature is 370degC otherwise fluxes evaporate and new oxidation will appear (takes too long). Higher temperature is not only to melt solder quickly but to heat up soldered leads, PCB etc. - otherwise solder doesn't "flow". Some Weller soldering Irons use Curie effect to regulate temperature. Standard tip is set at 700degF.

Like I said, I've been soldering at slightly above the temp on the WBT 0800 spool, without any problems. I would not have bothered commenting, but for the fact that the OP is using the same solder. These guys recommend 250 degrees C, as the ideal temp: (http://www.takefiveaudio.com/PDF/WBT%200800.PDF) That's very close to what I'm reaching, with excellent flow, and the halogen-free flux does a fine job. Have you ever used WBT's lead-bearing/4% silver solder?

These days for hobbiest use I wouldn't over-invest in this area. I've had great luck with this Chinese station for both SMD and general-purpose soldering-- everything except for heavy terminations like speaker binding posts. For those heavy jobs a Weller SP80L with a massive tip does the trick.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMD-SMT-Soldering-Rework-Station-2in1-Hot-Air-Gun-Iron-Welder-Tip-ESD-PLCC-BGA-/310396114995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48450cd833#ht_3826wt_1139

This Chinese digital station survived a fall from a countertop. It is better made than its price suggests. The hot air gun accessory is helpful.

Rodman99999, Yes I used this solder at exactly 700degF and it is no different than standard 63/37 eutectic solder commonly used (melting temp. 183degC). You can follow any advise you want but common in whole electronics industry is 650-750degF.

Kester, one of the largest and oldest manufacturer of solder in the world, recommends 700degF.

http://www.kester.com/Portals/0/Knowledge_Base_Articles/questions-about-hand-soldering.pdf

As I said before - 700deg is so common that it is set as default tip temperature for Weller irons (with Curie point thermostat).

Maybe I'm missing something here? Kester and WBT solders are now the same formulations/fluxes, and I should believe Kester over WBT(regarding WBT's product)? Of course WBT will still perform at 700 degrees F. The issue is whether it will, equally as well at around 500 degrees F, which I(and others) have found it will. Happy soldering.