Soldering iron questions

[1UP]

Hi, I'm trying to decide on my first iron - choosing between a fixed 18w or a 50w temp controlled.

I just want to start off practising soldering, then to build a cmoy.
Eventually I'd like to have a go at preamps and gainclones.

So which iron will serve best? Also, what two size soldering bits / tips will be most useful? TIA.

 

[ACAVant]

I'd say a variable iron. It looks like it's got a bit of extra punch to it so when you've got your iron fist

and want to tackle some other things (like using silver solder etc) you've got an iron that should be up to the task.

 

[Tomo]

Hi,

Can you give us NAMEs of your choices?

Personally, you want a SOLDERING PEN. 30W is probably best, it's strong enough for heavy stuff and weak enough for chips.

Stay the hell away from SOLDERING GUNs. They are bulky and no-no for the newbie. (personally it's nono for professionals either)

18W is pretty small. If it uses NICHROME heater, it will be WAAAAY underpowered. You will have problems soldering connectors; you might have problems soldering on circuit boards. If it uses CERAMIC heater, it is pretty good. I used to use 15W ANTEX iron with which I could iron heavy gauge wires.

50W temp control. I am not certain. We will probably need to know the name of manufacturer. Temperature controlled irons needs to be calibrated everytime you replace the tip. Depending on the companies, this process is very easy or not required. You should go with those. But note the cost is significantly high.

Anyways, do come back to us with your choices' names.

T

 

[Magsy]

I guess u have the same choice I did...

I got the 15w Antex, mainly because its body is very small, smaller than the 50w'er and the 18w one.

It's great for PCB work but isn't powerful enough for big rca's etc. Also big caps can be an issue, if your technique isn't good you won't get anywhere with it, that said its good because it helps you learn to do it properly!

I use a 30w Maplin 5.99 job for the stuff the 15w won't tackle.

 

[nikongod]

i would leen you to a 15 or 25W iron, with replaceabkle tips.

i personally like a screwdriver/chisel tip, but others prefer a cone/pointy tip. i like that the screwdriver gets lots of heat on a joint FAST, they like that the pointy cone is great for delicate work. i have a pointy tip for my iron for smt work, its been used twice.

that being said, a full beginners setup can be done up at rat-shack for like $40.

ooh, dont skimp out on a stand for your iron. a stand that is forever tipping sucks more than anything else.

 

[CPL593H]

The Hakko 936 ESD Soldering Station is what I use. It is a temperature controlled unit. It was a huge improvement over the fixed temperature pencil type units I had always used. I've seen this unit for $76 plus shipping on the web.

It is really worth the investment if your going to build amps.

 

[Ob3ron]

I went from no iron of my own to a Hakko 936 ESD Soldering Station and am very impressed with it. As a reference, I have used some older temperature adjustable Wellers on a few occasions and found the Hakko to be much better in terms of ergonomics and convenience and to solder just as well (at least in the 600-650 deg F range which is all I've ever used). And I think the Hakko station and iron look pretty sexy

I bought it on ebay for about 95$ shipped.

Also, if anyone wants to hear more details on "ergonomics and convenience" let me know1

 

[1UP]

Hi yes it's the Antex range I'm looking at.

Maybe I'll get the 18w for the time being and get a heavier duty one when I need it.

Any comments on the best tip sizes to go for? How about 1mm and 3mm?

 

[Emon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomo Stay the hell away from SOLDERING GUNs. They are bulky and no-no for the newbie. (personally it's nono for professionals either)

Well you're not supposed to use them for delicate work either...I wouldn't go near a PCB with my 210 watt weller soldering gun.

As for tip sizes...well what does the iron accept?

 

[CPL593H]

If you want an Antex 15W with a flat tip I'll give it to you for the cost of shipping ($3.85).

 

[Edwood]

If you can stretch your budget to around $150 or so, you can get a really nice Metcal used off of ebay.

-Ed

 

[MisterX]

And then spend another $200 on making it work right?

 

[DobsOnly]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1UP Hi, I'm trying to decide on my first iron - choosing between a fixed 18w or a 50w temp controlled. I just want to start off practising soldering, then to build a cmoy. Eventually I'd like to have a go at preamps and gainclones. So which iron will serve best? Also, what two size soldering bits / tips will be most useful? TIA.

I have had pretty good luck with this one. CSI Soldering Station . Ceramic element, Adjustable , the price is right at 34.95 + shipping. Kind of a Hakko knock off.

 

[jerb]

i was wondering about this subject too (i was hoping the clone would come up). it fits pefect into my price point and i really need a decent iron (the pins on a ssop-28 are TINY!) if any one that owns this would like to comment on it please Either post here or PM me


sorry for the thread theft

 

[AtomBoy]

Count this as another vote for the CSI Station 1 -

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

I upgraded a couple of weeks ago from a 30 watt mystery iron and have been very happy with it. It looks like they're out of stock right now but if price is any object it might be worth the wait.