I bought a "station" from e-bay, good deals are out there, just be patient. It has both the iron and a rework station. Both have digital temp. controls along with a speed control for the rework fan. As others have pointed out, 63/37 and .31 rosin core, no-clean solder, a good magnifier with a light and a "3rd hand" to hold your boards while you solder and a soldering vent fan are all VERY good things to have. They will all make your life easier...but they won't make you an expert...only jumping in and doing it...practice. Find yourself an old PC board, practice removing the parts and then practice putting them back on. Can't stress enough....PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!