Soldering Iron Recommendations?

Monsterbox · Post by **Monsterbox** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:01 am

So, I've exhausted my search capabilities and can't seem to find anyone suggesting a particular type (or even brand) of Soldering Iron. I have a $15 RadioShack iron (that isn't even grounded, god help me) but I want to move onto something more versatile and worthwhile, and will last longer than a few months. Perhaps one that lets you dial in temps and such.

Anybody have any suggestions?

daguuy · Post by **daguuy** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:04 am

I just use a dual-heat rat shat iron. if you have a good tip, it works great. I've had it for about 2 years and it still works.

But if you want a really good iron, get a weller. Or make your own

Post by **marshallh** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:04 am

Just about any Weller iron will do a good job, get one with a wattage ratnig from 25-40 watts. 15 is just not enough.

Usually if you want a temperature controlled iron, you'll have to spend upwards of $70 on a soldering station.

Weller makes butane-powered soldering irons also, check this out.
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/C ... 7103146571

It's adjustable from 15 to 60w, the butane is very cheap at any grilling store, and it's a lot less hassle than a plug-in iron. It heats up in about 20 seconds! Much better than a "cold heat" ripoff.

Monsterbox · Post by **Monsterbox** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:09 pm

marshallh wrote:Just about any Weller iron will do a good job, get one with a wattage ratnig from 25-40 watts. 15 is just not enough.

The one I have is actually 30 watts, the price was $15, and it's been pretty good so far. However, I think I messed it up not knowing what I'm doing. I don't think I tinned the tip properly and I think I got a little rough with it and bent the tip a bit. etc etc At least if I've ruined it I can rest easy knowing it was a cheapy to begin with.

However, down the line I'd like something really worthwhile as I do more handhelds and some other projects. (I'm going crazy for electronics these days.)

Thanks again for the suggestions, I'm perusing the Cooper Hand Tools site as I type this.

ATOMICMAN · Post by **ATOMICMAN** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:37 pm

hah i have a variable temp iron, a standard 200w soldering gun, a couple random wattage irons, and a small butane iron.

all have thier uses but i really only use the butane one for when im doing car stereo stuff like in the dash and what not where having a cord sucks.

the variable temp one i use the most cuz i turn it up for big jobs and turn down when i need to do some small soldering work. it was like 100 bucks and well worth it. i just wish i could afford a variable temp electric vacuum desoldering iron but most of them are a few hundred dollars and up.

pretty much the same one i have
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/welle ... /wes51.htm

i really want something like this though
http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/lf6000.html