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Help me find my first soldering iron

Dec 1, 2007 at 2:48 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 23
fatman711

fatman711

Member of the Trade: JMoney Audio
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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
 
Dec 1, 2007 at 10:08 PM Post #3 of 23
Go with something about 12-15 watts. Google.
 
Dec 1, 2007 at 10:20 PM Post #4 of 23
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.
 
Dec 1, 2007 at 10:46 PM Post #6 of 23
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.
 
Dec 1, 2007 at 10:56 PM Post #7 of 23
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.
 
Dec 1, 2007 at 11:02 PM Post #8 of 23
can I get the circuit specialists iron (CSI-STATION1A) or the Hakko clones in Canada? What solder should I get?
 
Dec 9, 2007 at 2:40 PM Post #10 of 23
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.
 
Dec 9, 2007 at 2:57 PM Post #11 of 23
Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif
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
biggrin.gif


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.
 
Dec 10, 2007 at 12:19 AM Post #14 of 23
Quote:

Originally Posted by slowpogo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
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.
 
Dec 10, 2007 at 7:14 PM Post #15 of 23
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.
 
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