I'm looking for some advice about soldering irons. I need to make up some small circuits on stripboard, what wattage should I be looking at to get me started and any suggestions about tip size. I'm in the UK.
Thanks
You should use 18Watt to 30Watt power.
Tip size should be less than 6mm, preferably 2.5mm or pointed tip.
I sell a suitable iron for beginners on my site. Sir-kit Electronics
Thanks for that info. What about solder - is the stuff with silver content worth paying the extra and why not use solder with lead content, is it not so good or just not so PC now?
Lead based solder is still available for hobby use. It is basically banned for mass production in many countries, but the alternatives are difficult to use and require hotter soldering irons. The removal of lead is a political decision not a practical one. Politicians told industry to remove lead for the good of the environment. Sir-kit Electronics
