If I wanted to start DIYing... which Soldering Iron would I get?

[ChickenGod]

I'm pretty sure I'm getting the Hakko Dash, but what wattage? I'm going to be making amps primarily. Thanks


Oops, I meant wattage. I live in the US. So should I get the 25W?

 

[Joshatdot]

Any of the Hakko Dash wattages will be fine for soldering small components.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EPE "Basic Soldering Guide" A higher wattage does not mean that the iron runs hotter - it simply means that there is more power in reserve for coping with larger joints.

http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/solderfaq.htm

 

[AndrewFischer]

Dash is fine. There are alternatives at your price range.

Voltage? Whatever comes out of your wall socket. Your profile doesn't have a location. 120V in the US.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=233679
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...soldering+iron

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Ya the Dash is good. I think he meant wattage, Andrew. The 15 & 20 watt versions do have a few more tips available than the 25 watt (15 & 20w use the same tips, the 25 uses its own size tips), though that may be irrelevent if you're not gonna be doing any surface mount soldering. In regards to Josh's quote from the EPE Soldering Guide, I'm not sure if that's entirely true regarding the Dash because hakko lists higher maximum temps for the higher wattage irons. Whatever you do, please don't get a Radioshack iron, or one with an identical tip and metal part between the handle and tip with that damn screw at the end. They're all made by the same manufacturer and they all suck equally huge balls.

 

[Freq Band]

I started with a 25watt Hakko Dash, and loved it. Under $50.
Tip choices too.

https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_dash.html

=FB=

 

[Mr.Austin]

I spent close to 120 on my weller :S but its not the soldering station. When I took electronics it was the one the instructor told us we should get so I got one heh. Next one with be a variable temp soldering station I think.

 

[RedLeader]

I've got a nice variable weller I got on sale for $65, it's nice if you have to crank it to burn off enamel with a different tip or you're working with several different kinds of solder/electronics

 

[ChickenGod]

okay thanks are there certain tips i should have?

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

It comes with a tip that should work just fine for your first few projects. If for some reason you really wanna spend a few more bucks, the 45x-T-SD (a chisel/screwdriver type tip) would be a good one.

 

[AndrewFischer]

Anyone have a Vellman Lab1?

http://www.vellemanusa.com/downloads.../lab1_info.pdf

http://www.vellemanusa.com/downloads...anual_lab1.pdf

It is a temp controlled soldering station, bench power supply and DMM all-in-one. PartsExpress has them for $140 and I've seen them on eBay for substantially less.

Never used one. Looks like it could be a good tool for someone getting started.