Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions › Help me find my first soldering iron
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Help me find my first soldering iron

post #1 of 23
11/30/07 at 11:48pm
Thread Starter 
Looking for my first iron. Want to make some DIY cables. Interconencts, LODs..etc


Not too expensive but of good quality and easy to use. Also has to be available to me in Canada

thanks
Reply

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

post #2 of 23
12/1/07 at 6:56pm
Thread Starter 
up
Reply
post #3 of 23
12/1/07 at 7:08pm
Go with something about 12-15 watts. Google.
Reply
post #4 of 23
12/1/07 at 7:20pm
Would a Hakko 936 be too much? I've used it and a variant for the past five years. It is an excellent iron and has many specialized tips available.

I used a Weller WTCPT for a few years, too. It's a good iron, but I prefer Hakko.
Reply
post #5 of 23
12/1/07 at 7:21pm
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/rec...ml#post2977570
Reply
post #6 of 23
12/1/07 at 7:46pm
Thread Starter 
i've been interested at the circuit specialists iron (CSI-STATION1A)

will that serve my purposes? I have never soldered anything before so is it easy to use?

Don't want to spend more than $50, so the Hakko is out.
Reply
post #7 of 23
12/1/07 at 7:56pm
ya I'd go with that or another Aoyoue Hakko-clone, or the Xytronics 379 which I have. The CSI & other Aoyoues have the advantage that they use tips identical to the Hakko 900 series, the ones used on the 936, and prob the most widely available tips. The Xytronic is slightly higher quality can only take Xytronics tips and doesn't have a quick-disconnect iron like the CSI, however it is a little cheaper.
Reply
post #8 of 23
12/1/07 at 8:02pm
Thread Starter 
can I get the circuit specialists iron (CSI-STATION1A) or the Hakko clones in Canada? What solder should I get?
Reply
post #9 of 23
12/9/07 at 9:46am
I really like gas soldering irons (I have a Portasol). There is no cord and you can reglate the temperature.
Reply
post #10 of 23
12/9/07 at 11:40am
For the first few years I used a Weller WLC100 which is available in your budget. I've since moved to a Hakko 936 which I like more, but the Weller would have been adequate for just about anything I wanted.
Reply
post #11 of 23
12/9/07 at 11:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post
Would a Hakko 936 be too much? I've used it and a variant for the past five years. It is an excellent iron and has many specialized tips available.

I used a Weller WTCPT for a few years, too. It's a good iron, but I prefer Hakko.
Before anyone buys a Hakko, I recommend they use crap Radioshack irons for 30 years like I did before I bought my 936. It makes them appreciate a good iron more

For the OP, I think the 936 is about $125 at RPElectronics, if you can save up a few more bucks.

If you can't, you can also find the good pencil irons around the Toronto electronics stores and online.

Also, remember to budget for a selection of tips.
Reply
post #12 of 23
12/9/07 at 12:14pm
Take a look at the information available here, Fatman. The information and videos are excellent.

http://tangentsoft.net/audio/new-diyer.html
Reply
post #13 of 23
12/9/07 at 9:06pm
Actually the 936 can be found for around $85, on ebay and several onlne merchants.
Reply
post #14 of 23
12/9/07 at 9:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by slowpogo View Post
Actually the 936 can be found for around $85, on ebay and several onlne merchants.
Another recommendation for the Hakko 936. I just got it a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. Kicks ass compared to the Weller SP25L I used before and that was a pretty nice beginner iron. This one is just amazing though, great for everything I've tried so far.
Reply
post #15 of 23
12/10/07 at 4:14pm
I have both the aouye and xytronics version and I have to say that there is a big difference in built quality..materials..but still I think that the cheap chinese aouye is good for it's price..at least here in Finland you can get an aouye soldering station for $30. Xytronics is $200.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions › Help me find my first soldering iron