Soldering Iron

[dylandylandylan]

Can someone recommend me a good soldering iron kit? I want to pick up yet another hobby ;)

[Fetzie]

Honestly? Go to a hardware store and buy the cheapest one that has a decent selection of ends (thin ones, fat ones for different jobs). There isn't really much that a manufacturer can do with a soldering iron, they are basically a screwdriver sized device that gets really hot at one end.

[rustikles]

Yep, a hot piece of metal can only be so fancy.

[dylandylandylan]

I just don't know if I want a station or just an iron by it's self, thanks guys :)

[Fetzie]

I just don't know if I want a station or just an iron by it's self, thanks guys :)

 

Just get one with a sturdy stand, having the switched-on (or switched off but still hot) soldering iron roll away and the end of it coming to a rest against your arm is a really, really painful experience that I wouldn't want you to make like I did.

 

Make sure you have a damp cotton rag (must be cotton or it will set fire) to wipe the nib on to remove excess solder, and work in a non-enclosed environment as solder vapour isn't exactly the stuff you want to be breathing in (usually a 60/40 lead/tin alloy).

[Adler Polk]

Check out " Cold heat"  Its a battery operated soldering kit that takes a couple double A batteries and ive used mine for about 2 years and it works perfectly!  Hope this helps man!:)

[T.Vengeance]

Check out " Cold heat"  Its a battery operated soldering kit that takes a couple double A batteries and ive used mine for about 2 years and it works perfectly!  Hope this helps man! :)

I've tried cold heat. And for some instances it's awesome. But when you try to solder senstitive/small electronics, then nothing beats the original hot metal tip.

[CoffeeBlack]

<p>Circuit specialist have really good stuff for cheap. Made by the same OEM as a couple of really popular brands.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations">http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations</a></p>

<p>Edit: I have this one and love it.  http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-station-60-watt-3dlf.html</p>

<p> </p>

[Sors]

I guess any brand would work, but I can really recommend Weller, I have used my 60 watts soldering iron since 1989, and it still works perfectly.

[Fetzie]

I guess any brand would work, but I can really recommend Weller, I have used my 60 watts soldering iron since 1989, and it still works perfectly.

 

Not much to go wrong though is there? :)

[Chevaishr]

you want one that is quite strong structurally as with some things the strength can be useful ... you one one that you can swap tips and you want one over 60watts or better yet adjustable 

[James_McKeane]

Fetzie, on 14 Jul 2013 - 11:16 PM, said:

Honestly? Go to a hardware store and buy the cheapest one that has a decent selection of ends (thin ones, fat ones for different jobs). There isn't really much that a manufacturer can do with a soldering iron, they are basically a screwdriver sized device that gets really hot at one end.

Please don't do this. Go to a site like Sparkfun.com or any electronics/hobby specialty retailer who has a clue what they're selling. Bought a Weller from Lowes that was DOA and a pencil tip iron from RadioShack thats utterly uncleanable, making it pretty much useless. i also have a mini butane from RadioShack that works well, but is wildly inappropriate for fine, delicate low-heat work.

[Sors]

Not much to go wrong though is there? :)

The most common issue is the thermal switch that keeps it from overheating failing.  =P   Usually making them stop heating at all.

[t0wer]

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC

this is the one I have.

 

I know the temp adjust isn't the best(just a pot and doesn't show the actual temp), but I haven't had a problem with it.

just be sure you get the right tip for the right project. mine only came with a big tip, which is not usable for 90% of what I do.

[Delaser]

I've got one with a temp adjust and thermometer, best investment ever if you're working on smaller electronics.

Sometimes you need to crank it right down low to do that fine work without burning the PCB or melting surrounding parts.

 

A variety of tips is a good option too.

[mr moose]

My advice is to get either a really good stick and stand, or if you are more serious then get an even better quality station.  Adjustable temp is a must if you are going being working on a variety of projects.  

 

Benefits of a good iron:

 

-Quicker heat up time

-better temp control

-variety of tips

 

Problems with cheap irons:

 

-So hot they burn themselves out

-or so weak they burn out the component before the solder melts adequately

-or wouldn't melt butter on a 40⁰c day.

 

I have a Atten 100d, chinese knock off  of hakko (good quality brand). Does me for general use and hobby work.  I wouldn't recommend spending more unless you are thinking going professional. 

[JordanMac]

Buy a really cheap one, i honestly can't tell the difference between a really ecpensive one and a really cheap one. as long as it gets hot enough to melt the solder its going to be fine.

[Charger]

well first don't try cold heat its not good for anything and i recall bad for electronics not really sure what they thought people would use it for. Buy a good brand at the very least something that you can get replacement tips for as you will need new tips at some point they don't last forever. It would be nice to have a temp control and a place to put the iron but i don't have that i just hang my iron off my desk lamp and that is a bad idea lol.

[mr moose]

Buy a really cheap one, i honestly can't tell the difference between a really ecpensive one and a really cheap one. as long as it gets hot enough to melt the solder its going to be fine.

 

 

The difference is that a cheap one can burnt out sensitive electronics if the temperature or wattage is not high enough or conversely it will struggle to keep up with larger jobs if the wattage is to low.

[IdeaStormer]

<p>Circuit specialist have really good stuff for cheap. Made by the same OEM as a couple of really popular brands.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations">http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations</a></p>

<p>Edit: I have this one and love it.  http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-station-60-watt-3dlf.html</p>

<p> </p>

 

Those look too good for the price, how are they, how long have you had it? Prices are making me want to click buy now.

[CoffeeBlack]

Those look too good for the price, how are they, how long have you had it? Prices are making me want to click buy now.

I've had it for about 8 months now I think. Haven't had any problems from it. They are rebranded Atten stations so replacement and extra tips are really easy to find. When I ordered it, I expected it to feel really cheap but construction and weight feel really good. I would definitely recommend it.

[kt425]

If you are looking to take up soldering for a while, I would suggest spending a little more money on a nicer soldering station. It is totally worth that extra bit of money, and you will get more use out of it. Cheaper irons tend to burn themselves out and overall don't have as long as a life as the nicer ones. Nicer irons also have better heat control, heat up faster, and you can swap out the tips to suit whatever soldering project you are working on. 

 

I have found a good soldering station is the Hakko FX-888D. It's the digital replacement to the discontinued FX-888. It heats up fast and has great heat recovery. It also has interchangeable tips that are easy to purchase. It also has heat settings so you can have up to 5 pre-determined setting so if you end up having a lot of soldering projects where you need the same temp you can just pre-set it into the station itself. 

 

I tried to find where I got mine, but I stumbled upon this one: http://www.gotopac.com/Hakko_FX_888_Soldering_Station_s/3893.htm. Its under $100.