recommend a soldering iron?

[NRXTM]

I want to get into modding flashlights but I cant do that without soldering, so I would like your recommendation for a cheap soldering iron (under 30 bucks) thanks

 

[precisionworks]

The Weller Marksman SP23L is a decent small iron that will work for PCB soldering. Nothing (as in absolutely nothing) fancy but it's the iron that stays in my portable troubleshooting bag.

$21.58 delivered from ToolBarn dot com

 

[PhotonWrangler]

This is a clone of the Weller/Cooper WLC100 which I have and like. It's given me many years of trouble free service and the temperature is adjustable. If you can find the actual Cooper/Weller brand, go for that one, but I suspect that this Stahl iron is the same unit with a different colored base unit.

 

[NRXTM]

Looked promising at first but the mixed bag of reviews has me worried , but i think ill give this one a shot , thanks

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[schizeckinosy]

I got an old HAKKO station off of ebay. It looks like trash, but is a joy to use!

 

[wquiles]

topic has come up several times in the past - please check out this older thread for additional advice:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?316031-what-soldering-iron-do-u-use&highlight=soldering

I prefer the Metcal MX 500P.

 

[kuksul08]

I have a WLC100 and am very happy with it.

 

[HotWire]

I use --- among other things --- a new Hakko digital soldering station. It is wonderful. 70 watts max, hundreds of different tips are available, completely controllable temperature settings. It is a sweet set-up. I've had an older Hakko station for.... many years.... and it has been good to me too. I highly recommend both. I also use a magical Hakko desoldering station. Wow! Solder just disappears and leaves a clean hole in a smooth pad for soldering new components.... I used them both yesterday to solder a new LM317T in a Streamlight Stinger charger....

 

[TexasLumens]

I have had several but I think I like this WESD51 Weller better than any I have owned.

Tried to put you up an image but can't for some reason!!?? Dan.

 

[LED_astray]

I can't recommend anything under $30, but I do have one thing to consider, that I don't think has been mentioned, and a way to exploit junk box parts to get acceptable with a cheaper iron.

First, you should consider the availability of tips. Different tips are desirable for different jobs and eventually you'll need replacements. The iron I got when I tried to go cheap didn't last beyond its first tip because it used a non-standard size and I couldn't find replacements. (IIRC- it was branded Weller, but obviously was non-standard crap offered to hit a price point.)

Second, if you can't stretch to the $65-$100 (depending on model, sale, shopping skills, phase of the moon, etc.) for the better temperature controlled models suggested above, you can make a usable controller from a light dimmer & other electrical parts. Years ago I used a rotery switch dimmer, an electrical outlet, a double wide junction box, an appropriate face plate, and a heavy duty extension cord (for wire & a molded plug) to make a power reducer. Wiring this up allows you to reduce the power of a fixed output iron. Combined with a 40W+, I'd suggest 60W, pencil iron it is quite usable.

Of course, if you don't have the scrap box of electical parts to raid you would spend enough on the dimmer box part, I think you'd be better getting the tempurature controlled iron. Around here, I think the Hakko iron from Fry's is the go to deal, especially if you can wait until it goes on sale. (Seems like that is every 3-4 months.) Good setup, section of alternate & replacement tips right there and many other accessories & solders ready to carry out the door. Since you don't give your location, YMMV. Hopefully you have some sort of electronics dealler.

 

[spencer]

In my opinion $85 for that Hakko from Fry's is a steal. I didn't know they had come down that much. I payed significantly more than that for the older generation 936.

I HIGHLY recommend getting a decent station. You won't ever look back. I learned to solder on a shitty constant wattage RadioShack iron. I had no idea what I was doing and why sometimes I could never get stuff to work. Looking back its because it was always either too hot or cold. I went to the station after I became at least halfway decent with the pencil iron and now I can solder almost anything.

My theory is buy the proper thing once and never have to replace it. Buy once cry once.

 

[Speedfreakz]

In my opinion $85 for that Hakko from Fry's is a steal. I didn't know they had come down that much. I payed significantly more than that for the older generation 936.

I HIGHLY recommend getting a decent station. You won't ever look back. I learned to solder on a shitty constant wattage RadioShack iron. I had no idea what I was doing and why sometimes I could never get stuff to work. Looking back its because it was always either too hot or cold. I went to the station after I became at least halfway decent with the pencil iron and now I can solder almost anything.

My theory is buy the proper thing once and never have to replace it. Buy once cry once.

Amen to that! A crappy iron will cost you in parts or wasted time when the solder doesn't hold or the parts are over heated. Excellent price on hakko as well