jfuller8400 Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 Does anyone have a recommendation for a good soldering iron? I need to get something a lot better than the el-cheapo one I currently have now. Multiple tips and variable temps would be good. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibblejr Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 Many of have solder work flow stations. Multiple tips very affordable depending on what you need. Depending on what you are soldering you may be able to get away with the pre soldered bullet connectors. They are low heat and only need a heat gun. JR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilMassey Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 This thread might be helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDucks Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 I still have my ancient Weller WTCP (c1970) with interchangeable tips. Each tip has a temp number (6,7 and I think there were some 8's) and a tip shape. For general wire, I use the 7 widest chisel tip. For components, I use the chisel tip that matches the space/contact. Note: This model existed long before surface mount and sub 1/10 lead spacing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOR Staff Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 Really depends on how serious you are going to get on soldering. If all you are going to do is put together 1 or 2 boards, a cheapo adjustable iron with a decent tip like the Weller is all you need.. On the other hand, if you are going to be doing heavy duty stuff, including removing bad parts (rework), you need to step up your game a little. I personally now use a Aoyue 2703 rework station. The iron heats fast and is rock solid. The fume extractor is excellent (boy I miss the smell of solder). The de-soldering gun is AWESOME. You will NEVER go back to wick or cheapo vacuum suckers again! My only 2 beefs are the tip cost and that it needs a switchable vacuum port. You have to disconnect the iron and then connect the de-soldering gun (or vice versa) by pulling off the tube. Tips are in the $14/ea range - which is good and bad. Its good because the tip contains the heater cartridge so when you replace the tip you basically get a new iron. But it's bad because you'll probably wear out the tip long before the heater itself goes bad. Yes, it hurt to write a $300 check for a soldering station. But if money is no object, Hakko is the way to go. If I remember, I'll bring my station with me to expo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry72 Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 Get one that gets hot. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godney Posted June 1, 2019 Share Posted June 1, 2019 Personally i use a Weller rework station it's a bit pricey over a grand but well worth the money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfuller8400 Posted June 3, 2019 Author Share Posted June 3, 2019 Thanks for all of the suggestions. I ended up going with the Aoyue 2703. I really like the idea of having a heat gun integrated into the station. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOR Staff Posted June 3, 2019 Share Posted June 3, 2019 It's a fine station, and I use mine a lot. I think you will really like it too. FYI: Don't just plug it in and turn it on. There are some setup steps you need to take including removing a shipping screw from the unit (at least mine required it). The secret to using the desoldering gun is the solder on the board. You should always use a little bit of flux before desoldering. Then if you still can't seem to get it all out of a hole, add more fresh solder - that will 'refresh' what is already on the board making it easier to melt and remove. Then try again. If you need new tips or other parts, SRA has been excellent for me. https://www.sra-solder.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfuller8400 Posted June 5, 2019 Author Share Posted June 5, 2019 Thanks for the tips, Mike. I had heard about the mysterious "red screw" that needed to be removed and also about tinning the new tip. I also learned that I've been using 40/60 solder rather than 60/40 solder (doh!). Oh well, it's a learning process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfuller8400 Posted June 8, 2019 Author Share Posted June 8, 2019 So I got my new soldering station but now I think I need a larger workbench! 😄 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k6ccc Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 I'm working on that part. As soon as my older son moves out, this room (originally a "family room", but currently his bedroom with a little corner for my desk), will get stripped down to bare walls. New paint, carpet, re-do the lighting, air conditioning, and some electrical. I will have about 8 - 10 feet of workbench along one wall! Get to set up most of my ham radio stuff too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a31ford Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 On 5/30/2019 at 9:58 AM, TheDucks said: I still have my ancient Weller WTCP (c1970) with interchangeable tips. Each tip has a temp number (6,7 and I think there were some 8's) and a tip shape. For general wire, I use the 7 widest chisel tip. For components, I use the chisel tip that matches the space/contact. Note: This model existed long before surface mount and sub 1/10 lead spacing. LOL, ARE you saying the people that own a WTCPR and a WTCPN are old ??? LMAO !! guess I fall into that category... (even have the DE-soldering head adapted to the WTCPN). Greg 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a31ford Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 On 6/8/2019 at 1:08 PM, jfuller8400 said: So I got my new soldering station but now I think I need a larger workbench! 😄 OMG !! a plasma cutter !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDucks Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 59 minutes ago, a31ford said: LOL, ARE you saying the people that own a WTCPR and a WTCPN are old ??? LMAO !! guess I fall into that category... (even have the DE-soldering head adapted to the WTCPN). Greg 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I bought mine after I got out of the Navy in 73. The sponges keep wearing out and I don't know where the metal tip tray (insert) went (way too many moves over the years). So Yes. That makes me old as well 😛 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOR Staff Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 Hey, if you are going to keep buying everything I recommend (I see the soldering station, the ferrule crimper, looks like a box of ferrules), the next thing you need is the Panavise 350, and the 315 Circuit Board Holder. Truth be told: The Panavise is top of the line when it comes to small vises like this. However, I rarely use mine. I use the tray base for sorting small screws/parts while working on stuff 10x more than I use the vise part. 15 years ago when I soldered around 25 boards in a single summer I would have used it all day long. For quick repairs that I tend to do now, a simple 12x12 piece of un-glazed floor tile works for me. I see that little wimpy magnifier you have. If you are of advancing years (such as yours truly), get a lighted desk mount one with a decent size. I have one exactly like this, but I think you can do better on the price than $63. 5x is a good power, and the lights really help. (Side Bar: Great for finding and removing splinters in your hands!). It is much more comfortable to sit in front of one of these, where you can put it right in front of your face to look through and work instead of squinting through one of those smaller inspection magnifiers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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