Best Soldering Iron?

Xsavior

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 4, 2005
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40
Location
Vermont, US
I'm just starting out, and making or modding flashlights is already calling to me. I've always uesed the irons that i could find at radio shcak in the past, i was wondering if anyone here had any reccomendations as to what the best soldering iron/accessories you could get for general electronic and flashlight soldering mignt be?
 
Weller WES51, WLC100 (<$40, WLC100 $41-$13rebate=$28) (currently there are rebates on Wellers) or I use a Hako series 936. You'll want various tip sizes. Biggest mistake is using the wrong size tip to transfer heat. I also recommend understanding how heat transfer occurs in the tips so that you don't end up "cleaning" your tip with sandpaper.

You'll also need some desoldering wick. I actually only use the Radioshack brand soldering wick. It can also be used for soldering SMD components as well.
 
weller temp controlled with swappable tips

tips are coated...... I'm still on my 1st one after 17 years
 
It all depends on how you treat your equipment. To last the years turbodog, I bet you look after your tips really well!!

I reckon you could get away with a basic soldering station as long as it is temp variable and utilises a wide range of tip sizes. For small soldering I use a magnifying headband flip-down jobby.

Makes one look like a nerd but is more help than hinderance. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Edit: I just re-read t/dog's post and realised I said the exact same thing... my bad.
 
This vice (sic) really is a must-have accessory: (Aluminum Die-Cast Universal Table Vise (HH96411) -
Prior post

It's a whole lot easier doing any soldering when you don't have to deal with the item shifting around on you-
 
Price is the most important factor.

Low price-the Weller Station above

Mid Range-Hakka 936-12 with various tips

High Range-Metcal MX-500 seems to be the choice for cost vs. benefit. They can be had on ebay for less than $200 though, just don't bid on the one I'm bidding on!

Bill
 
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