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Picked up a few macs, don't know where to start

One of the Quadra 605s, looks clean. Has a sticker from the 90s that says "Works", thats a good sign I suppose.
 

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Here is the laptop haul, not pictured in other pictures. The 2300c is the one from the Duo Dock, but all the rest I havent pictured yet. I like that pentium 3 thinkpad next to the 2300 will likely keep it its thin and sleek. All the others I will likely be parting with.
 

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You can go to several sites to check the differences between Mac models. https://everymac.com is one of them. There you can even run a comparison between some. Just because it worked in the 1990's doesn't equal a good sign but if you must try it it out then go for it.
People recommend on certain models that are prone to damages and wear to reflow and replace parts before even trying to power it on. This is especially true of the professionals here that have recovered many machines that others would have deemed toast.
 
You can go to several sites to check the differences between Mac models. https://everymac.com is one of them. There you can even run a comparison between some. Just because it worked in the 1990's doesn't equal a good sign but if you must try it it out then go for it.
People recommend on certain models that are prone to damages and wear to reflow and replace parts before even trying to power it on. This is especially true of the professionals here that have recovered many machines that others would have deemed toast.
I am fully aware of that thank you. I just meant that the sticker was a "good sign" because some of the stickers said "bad" or "not working" lol. I havent powered any on except the couple all in one SE's after I took them apart and inspected them as many said they are likely working.

Edit: I did use that site multiple times in the last week. I just don't see the "big" difference between the Q 605 and the Q 610...
 
Right.. I was going to say, ALL these machines came with a sticker in the 80s or 90s that said they worked... From Apple, no less. 😁
All of these machines came from an IT guy from a university so he labeled them himself as he repaired them, thats all...
 
There are threads that get into how to soldier and what rig to buy. They recommend that you practice on a junk board first. Any questions about it are probably already answered there.
 
There are threads that get into how to soldier and what rig to buy. They recommend that you practice on a junk board first. Any questions about it are probably already answered there.
Yes sir ive watched several videos on soldering. I am in the process of getting my first soldering rig and i have have plenty of worthless things to practice on. I just made this thread to share my experience going through these machines in hopes not just myself but others can come back and read it and get something out of it.
 
We ain't here for a long time. But I guarantee these silicon boards with through-board solders will outlive us all. Can't say that about any tech after 2010s lol
 
I'm curious about what people here think if the Pinecil (v2)? I have been using that for my (limited) recapping and I'm happy with it. I like the low cost and the convenient size. Just curious. Thanks!
I got a Pinecil last year and it works great! Super happy with it, I feel no need to upgrade. Recapped maybe 30 logic boards with it by now. Tiny, heats up really fast, runs off of one my my macbook charger, really convenient since I live in an apartment and space is limited.
 
I hope everyone in the usa is having a good labor day weekend.

In case you aren't, here is a picture of the other Duo Dock Plus and the Stylewriter.

Now your weekend will be most excellent no doubt. I pulled out the old shower towel with flowers on it for the occasion.
 

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I am hoping a couple more people come with recommendations for a soldering kit/station/setup. I appreciation the couple people who gave their opinions so far, and im sure many more people viewing the thread will also appreciate it. Please share your advice and wisdom in this subject if you are able.
 
I am hoping a couple more people come with recommendations for a soldering kit/station/setup. I appreciation the couple people who gave their opinions so far, and im sure many more people viewing the thread will also appreciate it. Please share your advice and wisdom in this subject if you are able.
Hakko FX-888D is always a solid choice.
 
This is the soldering iron I've been using for about 2 years now -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097XX76V4
Throw away the solder they include. Use this instead -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KM1W7MW
Throw away the tiny sponge too. Get a larger one.

Yes, that iron is cheap. But I've successfully recapped a Macintosh LC and IIcx with it. I should probably have a better setup by now, but it works for me. I usually crank it to 420 °C for general soldering.
It is important to keep your soldering iron tip clean. Otherwise, it will wear out quickly. I wipe it shiny on a wet solder sponge after working a few joints.
 
This is the soldering iron I've been using for about 2 years now -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097XX76V4
Throw away the solder they include. Use this instead -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KM1W7MW
Throw away the tiny sponge too. Get a larger one.

Yes, that iron is cheap. But I've successfully recapped a Macintosh LC and IIcx with it. I should probably have a better setup by now, but it works for me. I usually crank it to 420 °C for general soldering.
It is important to keep your soldering iron tip clean. Otherwise, it will wear out quickly. I wipe it shiny on a wet solder sponge after working a few joints.
I definitely seems like a good deal price wise which scares me. I am liking that Hakko one the best so far. But I like the Metcal that obselete recommended a page back, but that one seems real high end for a beginner and the price is quite a bit more, just for the used box its 150+ then you need the gun and the little holder setup whatever you call it and that alone is damn pricey too lol. Seems like the one to graduate to.
 
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