Can you recommend a first soldering iron/kit?

[Heisenbleurgh]

Hi, I'm very seriously considering buying an Ergodox in the current Massdrop but I need to put it together and will need a soldering iron. I'm trying to keep the budget below $50 as the keyboard parts themselves aren't that cheap ($200 without keycaps) and I wanted to keep the total price of the project below $300. Also, as much as I might find electronic fascinating I don't think I'll be soldering often enough to justify a $100 one.

Can you recommend me a good soldering iron or kit from Amazon or am I asking for too much at this price?

Thanks!

[Createinator]

Just borrow it from a friend or your friendly neighborhood DIY enthusiast!

[Flyguygamer]

If you live near a harbor freight they have a decent starter fir $5 and solder for $7. How I got started and still using the same cheap iron in addition to my good one.

[darkspeedy26]

for "simple" things such as this, i wouldn't recommend you spending more than 25 dollars for your first one, since you won't be soldering too small ICs and such

[AMICLG]

For the price this is the best one your going to get and is MUCH better than one of those ratshack fire starters. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10707

[Scheer]

For the price this is the best one your going to get and is MUCH better than one of those ratshack fire starters. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10707

 

I have the larger version of this with a heatgun option and its quite nice for the money (~$80 on eBay).

[lutro0customs]

We sell two different options for solder guns and helping hands (which are really needed most of the time)

The first one is a solder station that has been working for me for all of my projects for about a few years now. I prefer it because I can adjust the power on it easily.
http://lutro0-customs.com/products/solder-station-helping-hands

The second one is a cheap 60w Handheld Iron and helping hands, a handheld is ok for quick jobs but make sure it has enough power to do what you plan on doing.
http://lutro0-customs.com/products/solder-iron-helping-hands

Both can be found cheaper if you look around most likely.