Help finding decent soldering station

[G1K]

I'm looking for a new soldering (or used) to replace my 20/40 watt one from radio shack. I can no longer find tips for the RS one, and it's a little slow to come up to temp.

What ever I wind up getting it must have a variable temp control (not just a 20 or 40 watt switch), come up to temp quick, and the tips must be easily replaced, and easy to find.

I am looking at this one : http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00954054000P?keyword=solder

I think that is the low end of what I would get. I do not want to spend over $100. Any suggestions?

Ryan

 

[old mx'r]

Try the Hexacon HTC series of soldering stations.

< http://www.hexaconelectric.com >

 

[bmwpower]

Get the best Weller you can for $100.

Soldering is one of those things that is a complete mess if you don't have the right tool.

 

[krusty the clown]

i have gotten to where i like using a mini torch to solder with........it's alot faster and the solder flows better. you just need to be careful not to burn anything.

 

[scotte]

butane lighter works great (w/ small dia. solder) for quick jobs

i will admit to using a kitchen match a time or to

 

[jay50]

I like the power probe mini torch; will never go back to electric once you use gas...

 

[chad s]

i have gotten to where i like using a mini torch to solder with........it's alot faster and the solder flows better. you just need to be careful not to burn anything.

Depends on what your doing. Your not going to use a torch to solder in an IC chip or mini surface mount components on a circuit board!

 

[doug.j]

The Hakko 936-12 is a great iron for electronics and small wiring jobs. They are about $70-$80.

 

[Slim-Pickins']

X2 on the Hakko 936 ... best soldering station. ever.

 

[jimvannoy]

I have a Weller. Had it for over 20 years. Just replace the tip every now and then.

 

[mylesc]

I am looking at this one : http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00954054000P?keyword=solder

I think that is the low end of what I would get. I do not want to spend over $100. Any suggestions?

Ryan

I have that same exact soldering iron and it's great. It got me through engineering school and I've soldered a ton of small delicate electronics with it. There are many different sized tips available. Keep in mind that it's not ESD safe so if you need that you need to spend some more $. I have several really nice Hako irons and I still like to use my old Weller every now and then.

You can find the tips here: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-120&ctab=14#Tabs

 

[Danglerb]

Find a hamfest and pick up a working old Weller for $5. Make sure you get one that tips are cheap for, not even sure they all aren't fine, but I'd at least check. The temp switch in the tip means it doesn't overheat, but it also works like a SOB to stay hot, so big or small jobs are easy.

 

[katit]

I have Hakko ($100 from eBay). I didn't know before that I can weld so well
I don't understand how I lived before without it. Heats up so fast, works so well..

 

[dirty old man]

Try the Hexacon HTC series of soldering stations.

< http://www.hexaconelectric.com >

I have a Therm-o-Trac that I stole from my dad. I'm pretty sure it's older than me and still works great.

 

[mike944]

I've got a fairly low-priced one from some online electronics place, i forget which one. It's got a fine point, variable temperature, and heats fast.

I also picked up a hot-air station on ebay particularly for surface mount stuff. Got it for a steal. It works great on everything, however, it's a pain that the air compressor has to be charged up to use it.

 

[Senorpablo]

I have a Therm-o-Trac that I stole from my dad. I'm pretty sure it's older than me and still works great.

I have a couple Hexacon Therm-o-Trac's, and they're still the best soldering irons I've ever used. One was taken out of service from an aerospace contractor and works perfectly even after years of full time, professional use. They are the Snap-on of soldering irons--metal cases and top quality engineering. I doubt you will find any Weller gear in production environments.

They look a little old and clunky, but the balance, feel and robustness of them is far superior to Hakko or Weller irons by far.

I got one of mine on ebay for about $30.

 

[roderjo]

G1K try Marlin P. Jones & Assoc. Inc. They are a surplus warehouse for electronics and tools. I've had great success with them in the past. On line at http://www.mpja.com