Soldering Tools Advice Needed-Which is Best???

[Marc]

OK, here is where I could really use the assistance of experienced
technical types.

I have an interest in electronics, but I am not proficient at
soldering.

I need advice on soldering tools: irons, solder, etc (I do have a
variac to regulate the iron)

Brand names, wattage, etc,

Part numbers...

solder, with or without rosin...

ANYTHING...

Thank you in advance for your help.

Marc

 

[Bianca]

OK, here is where I could really use the assistance of experienced
technical types.

I have an interest in electronics, but I am not proficient at
soldering.

I need advice on soldering tools: irons, solder, etc (I do have a
variac to regulate the iron)

Brand names, wattage, etc,

Part numbers...

solder, with or without rosin...

ANYTHING...

Thank you in advance for your help.

Marc

First read some stuff:

http://www.elexp.com/t_solder.htm

www.elecraft.com/TechNotes/N0SS_SolderNotes/N0SS_SolderNotesV6.pdf



Then make a choice:

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/weller/

Not the cheapest, but (one of) the best.

 

[James Sweet]

If you're just starting out, just go to Radio Shack or whatever similar
place near you and pick up a basic 25w-35w soldering iron, once you get more
skilled you might wish to look into something better.

 

[Chuck Harris]

If you're just starting out, just go to Radio Shack or whatever similar
place near you and pick up a basic 25w-35w soldering iron, once you get more
skilled you might wish to look into something better.

You are much more likely to become "more skilled" if you start
with the best iron you can afford. There isn't much excuse for
not using a temperature controlled soldering station these days.
I have seen them on sale for as low as $40 for a no name chinese
make unit.

-Chuck

 

[[email protected]]

First bit of advice is to buy a decent regulated soldering iron.
Using a variac doesn't really give you a controlled temp. Decent
fixed temp irons can be had for $30.

-Chris

 

[Jacques Carrier]

You are much more likely to become "more skilled" if you start
with the best iron you can afford. There isn't much excuse for
not using a temperature controlled soldering station these days.
I have seen them on sale for as low as $40 for a no name chinese
make unit.

-Chuck

I would buy a good (Weller) temperature controlled station and avoid Radio Shack
and Chinese made equipment.You get what you pay for...........save now and......
repent later........

Jacques

 

[Chuck Harris]

I would buy a good (Weller) temperature controlled station and avoid Radio Shack
and Chinese made equipment.You get what you pay for...........save now and......
repent later........

Jacques

I would too, but then, I use my iron to make a living.

There are some terrific deals on soldering stations to be had
on ebay. Soldering stations are kind of like used shoes and
beds; hard to sell.

-Chuck

 

[jakdedert]

I would too, but then, I use my iron to make a living.

There are some terrific deals on soldering stations to be had
on ebay. Soldering stations are kind of like used shoes and
beds; hard to sell.

I'd buy one or two if I got a good deal on them.

I'm with the previous poster, who suggested a more expensive solution. I
opened up my old GR-54 Heathkit which I did with the cheap tools I had
available when in high school. The soldering was barely acceptable to my 35
year more-experienced eyes. I know I agonized over every joint back
then....

Better tools would have made a better job. I did the best I could given
what I had, but IIRC, the stuff I was using back then was hardly better than
a woodburning iron. I'm surprised I persisted in the face of such
adversity. ;-)

jak

 

[Joe]

I have had a nightmare trying to buy the Weller I want WESD51
Cooper group baught them out and is now demamding a my local electronic
supply a minimum order of $350. they are about $150 tops on the web but then
you get "banged" with padded shipping and handeling.
Im going for the Xytronic XY960D or Xytronic 137 with a couple different
tips (ESD Super Temperature Controlled) I think its a better station at
around $100
The iron itself is also sleeker and less bulky then the Cooper/Weller
Cooper group's practices are unfair, quiliety has gone to the dogs, the
hell with them !
I think all Most the Weller stations are made overseas now, with exception
of expensive rework stations

 

[James T. White]

I have had a nightmare trying to buy the Weller I want WESD51
Cooper group baught them out and is now demamding a my local electronic
supply a minimum order of $350. they are about $150 tops on the web but then
you get "banged" with padded shipping and handeling.
Im going for the Xytronic XY960D or Xytronic 137 with a couple different
tips (ESD Super Temperature Controlled) I think its a better station at
around $100
The iron itself is also sleeker and less bulky then the Cooper/Weller
Cooper group's practices are unfair, quiliety has gone to the dogs, the
hell with them !

You might also take a look at solder stations made by Hakko. IMHO, the recovery
on the Hakko stations is far superior to most of the Weller stations that I've
used. The one exception is the 921ZX (really an Ungar) that Weller discontinued
some time ago.
Use Google and you should be able to find several distributors that sell the
Hakko 936 (analog control knob w/o digital readout) for $100 or less. If that's
still too pricey, check eBay for a used one.

Good luck.

James T. White

 

[davew]

OK, here is where I could really use the assistance of experienced
technical types.

I have an interest in electronics, but I am not proficient at
soldering.

I need advice on soldering tools: irons, solder, etc (I do have a
variac to regulate the iron)

Well I working in a teaching lab in a UK univercity, recently I set up 5
stations
we only use cheapish antex irons of 25W and they seem OK.
Get a few different size bits too.


If you plan to do soldering also consider the health and safety aspects,
I've not seen them mentioned here so thought I'd mention it.

Every soldring iron we have is used with an extractor fan
to suck up the fumes, while not critical, when you've seen the
rubbish that collects in the extraction tubes you're really glad
it's not colleting in your lungs.
These extractors can seem expensive, sometimes more than the
irons themselves. We bought a pump for 10 stations cost over £1000 UKP
But you can get small standalone versions which are better than nothing.

Also we supply goggles and these are very cheap when you consider
they could save you're eye from molton flux or even solder.

If you're planning on reclaiming components get a solder sucker and some
desolder braid.

 

[Mike]

Also we supply goggles and these are very cheap when you consider
they could save you're eye from molton flux or even solder.

As a specs wearer, I can vouch for that. About 3 times, I've been splatted
right in the centre of a lens ... and not while doing something
particularly dangerous!

If you're planning on reclaiming components get a solder sucker and some
desolder braid.

Or an electric hot-air gun. Great for mass desoldering of components where
you don't want the board back.