I need a new soldering iron

[ambientmind]

My iron died last night, and I'm having to use my "backup" radioshack iron that is just terrible. Anyone have suggestions on what they like? I'm looking for something with a small tip that is replaceable, and one that has a replaceable heating element. Lets try to keep the price under $50 but I'd be willing to spend more if its really worth it. Thanks! :twothumbs

 

[DonShock]

I've been happy with this $59 Weller station. Variable temp, fair selection of tips, decent build quality. Being able to adjust the heat and tip size for each job will do wonders for both the ease and quality of your soldering jobs.

 

[ambientmind]

anyone else?

 

[mulder89]

I use a gas powered Weller soldering iron BUT it does "Blow" hot air whilst operating and is not the best for small jobs or very small soldering on PCB boards. You can do it but its not easy. Its temp is adjustable and you get well over 1 hour from normal butane. If you require electric you cant go wrong with a Weller as well. The one mentioned in the post above seems very reasonably priced and with variable wattage I don't think you could go wrong.
mulder89
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/weller/

 

[koala]

I've been happy with this $59 Weller station. Variable temp

DonShock - I enjoy reading your soldering techniques a lot but I have to disagree with you this time. The Weller is a power adjustable station. I don't own this sort of system so I don't know how it works, does adjusting the knob change the temperature too?

Velleman also sells a copy of the $59 Weller, model VTSS4 in the EU. I guess it's just rebranded from a ODM.

 

[Rich Tharp]

I just finished a survey of soldering stations for my shop. Our budget allowed us to get state of the art, but in the process I took note of some really nice deals in the lower price ranges. Foremost was the Xytronic 379 Auto-Temp unit available from howardelectronics.com. You can read reviews on this model and others on Amazon.com.
Good luck.
Rich Tharp

 

[GVS_Lakers]

I bought a Hakko 936, it's a little more than you are looking to spend but it is awesome. I bought it from this seller.

http://cgi.ebay.com/936-12-Hakko-So...18&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&timeout=1218647190561

 

[darkzero]

I bought a Hakko 936, it's a little more than you are looking to spend but it is awesome. I bought it from this seller.

http://cgi.ebay.com/936-12-Hakko-So...18&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&timeout=1218647190561

I recommend the 936 too. I've been using the 936 at work everyday for 3 years now. I purchased my own from the same seller 6 months ago.

 

[MorePower]

I've been using this one http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 for the last 2 years or so and haven't had any problems. The adjustable temp control is really helpful. They sell a digital model for just a bit more as well.

 

[Rich Tharp]

I recommend the 936 too. I've been using the 936 at work everyday for 3 years now. I purchased my own from the same seller 6 months ago.

They're right, that is a good unit. In the end I selected Hakko (FX-951) for our shop, and the 936 is value priced right now, so you can't go wrong, but if you are limited to $50, I would go with the Xytronic 379 for $49.95. The reviews are quite good as well.

http://www.amazon.com/review/produc...cm_cr_acr_txt?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

RT

 

[ambientmind]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I have a good range to pick from now, I appreciate it!:thumbsup:

 

[VegasF6]

I don't know what all you are going to be doing with this, but you may want to consider one that is ESD safe? I bought the weller wesd51, digital readout and esd safe. Just something to consider if you could be soldering something that is static sensitive.

 

[Probedude]

I don't know what all you are going to be doing with this, but you may want to consider one that is ESD safe? I bought the weller wesd51, digital readout and esd safe. Just something to consider if you could be soldering something that is static sensitive.

The Xytronic and Hakko, are esd safe.

The weller WLC100 is NOT ESD safe.


(edited to correct my mistake on the ESD rating of the wlc100)

 

[ambientmind]

I think I'll go for the Xytronic. All the reviews I read are great I dont see the need to go with the Hakko unless it was a higher end one, so thanks Rich Tharp! The store that MorePower linked to is actually about 20 miles from me and carries it for $44! They also carry all the extra tips, so it would be nice to have the store somewhat local for extra parts. Thanks for all the help! Now I can get back to my soldering:tinfoil:

 

[VegasF6]

The Xytronic and Hakko, even the weller 100 are all esd safe.

I am glad the OP found an iron to satisfy his needs.

I was unable to find any information that the Weller WCL100 is ESD safe however, for the sake of future readers.

 

[Probedude]

I am glad the OP found an iron to satisfy his needs.

I was unable to find any information that the Weller WCL100 is ESD safe however, for the sake of future readers.

You are absolutely correct - in fact I found that it is NOT ESD safe.

http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=91070

Sorry, I'll update my post.

 

[GarageBoy]

Weller WTCP series has never failed my dad on his production line. Magnetic induction to control temp (the metal tip becomes non magnetic at the cut off temp, there fore regulating it)

 

[ambientmind]

I am glad the OP found an iron to satisfy his needs.

I was unable to find any information that the Weller WCL100 is ESD safe however, for the sake of future readers.

I'm glad too! :twothumbs So thanks again to everyone here for the great suggestions!

 

[cy]

got a Metcal MX500 ... but what I actually use ... 1950's weller w/temp control at tip

 

[1dash1]

+1 Xytronic

OMG. Check out the sale price. :huh:

Link to CPF Marketplace