[bladeweaver]

Hey guys-
My birthday is coming up, and I was thinking of getting myself a new soldering iron. I've been using a 15$ ratshack iron, and it just isnt cutting it anymore, after I used a good one. Can anyone reccomend me a good soldering iron thats in the 60$ range, and is good for building amps and cable upgrades?
I have heard good things about weller, but any brand is fine.
Thanks for your help

 

[Regus]

I recently bought a ZD-929C and so far I am very pleased with it, it has temperature control and is generally very nice to work with - but I have only used it for something like 10-15 hours so far...

I found a link on google: http://www.skycraftsurplus.com/index...ROD&ProdID=881

personally I bought it in a danish shop at danish prices (more than $60) but it seems it could fit in your price range as long as you don't live in Denmark

EDIT:
About Weller by the way, I looked at Weller too but a Weller with the same features would have cost me several times as much - I'm sure they are of better quality but unless you plan on soldering for a living...

 

[Paragon]

For $20 more, you could get a Hakko 936-12

Also, search teh forum for other threads about irons.

 

[mb3k]

^ Wow that one looks pretty good (ZD-929C)
I have the Weller WLC100 which works very good for me, except the tip that comes with it is large, so you'd have to order separate ones if you're doing SMD work.

 

[Paragon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb3k ^ Wow that one looks pretty good (ZD-929C) I have the Weller WLC100 which works very good for me, except the tip that comes with it is large, so you'd have to order separate ones if you're doing SMD work.

What kind of heater does the ZD have? ceramic or the Nichrome?

 

[jl123]

So close in price to the hakko 936. It's only a 20 dollar bill more.

You can go check it out at Fry's electronics if you want to see it in person. I think they're a little more expensive there though. It's always nice to see it in person to see if you'd like the grip, cord, etc.

 

[Regus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paragon What kind of heater does the ZD have? ceramic or the Nichrome?

The tip is ceramic but the heating element doesn't look it:

 

[Samgotit]

XYtronic options:

http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/379.html

https://www.assemblyoutfitters.com/XY-379.aspx

http://cgi.ebay.com/Xytronic-168-3C-...ayphotohosting

 

[dokebi]

Ordered this from circuit specialists on impulse even though I have 2 other irons. I hope it turns out to be decent.

 

[NeilR]

I got a Hakko 936 for $80.

Tips are reasonably priced too.

Nice iron and HMC is good to deal with.

 

[jl123]

Yeah I order a lot from hmcelectronics. A lot of people recommend the hakko 936 for a reason. I'd go with that. Don't mess with clones or cheap brands that probably won't be around later to provide you with spare parts and tips.

 

[Sinbios]

Um, Hakko clones can use Hakko parts, since they /are/ clones...

 

[Paragon]

My thought is that clones are cheaper for a reason.

 

[jl123]

Well then my statement on cheap brands still stands then. Good for the clones that can use genuine parts and tips.

 

[fierce_freak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samgotit XYtronic options:

I've never heard of XYtronic...The 379 looks like a quality iron. Anyone have any experience with it?