Solder Irons (Best for What we do)

[Ralph A]

I wanted to get your options on what you guys like to use for your soldering irons for the type of work we do.  I have soldered here and there and sometimes everywhere (not by choice).   Yet this will be the first time for PCB'S.     I have a soldering gun but need to get what is right for the job.  (Correct tools makes the job)

I have read the wiki, but it seems a bit lacking.

1. What type of Iron do I need, and what wattage?

2. Should I get a station Iron or not? (Would like to keep it under $150.)

3. Are there practice kits out there, and do I really need them?

4. Is .032 the best size solder for pcb's?

5.  Is there an online place to buy that has better prices than local stores?

Thanks for all the help and advise!!

[abrianbaker]

What he said!   

[batdive]

I asked the same thing a couple of months ago and RJ referred me to this one:

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I got it and love it.  Only one issue is the lame excuse for a sponge, but a replacement is easily DIY'd from a cheap kitchen sponge.

They have other choices like non digital version etc.

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Hope that helps.

-JS

[tmtfield]

I bought this one from Amazon over a year ago and it's been great.

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Hope this helps
Tim

[trekster]

Another good one :

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I got it over a year ago.  Tips are easy to change.  I built 2 dongles, 11 expresses, 4 ssr4's and a aeon clock so far with it.  I just ordered a few replacement tips for the upcoming coop toys.

Ron

[vairmoose]

In lieu of the wet sponge,  I picked up this    You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.   works great to keep the solder off. 


Larry

[NavyGator]

I believe a low cost digital station that is at least 40 watts would probably be a safe bet as this should handle some of the larger components fairly easily and easy to adjust the temperature.

You don't necessarily need a practice kit but if you have never soldered before it is a good idea to spend time practicing to get the hang of it. So if you want the practice I would say get a protoboard and some random components similar to what is used in the Lynx boards and practice soldering using them.

I keep a couple of different diameters, typically 0.032, 0.015 and some others for some different work. The 0.032 is very useful for electronic soldering.


Some of my other thoughts. Get some chisel tips (1/16in, 1/8in) and a conical tip. It is easier to work with 63/37 solder. A solder cleaner is good at helping extend the life of the tips by not causing the temperature shock of water. Maybe some de-soldering gear such as a sucker and some wick and flux. A helping hands stand and a magnifier can be very useful also.

[taybrynn]

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[tbone321]

I guess i would really depend on what you intend to work on in the future.  If you intend to do more work on surface mount components then you might want to look more at a rework station like this one.

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The price is good and it has gotten some good reviews.  I am looking into ordering this one myself. 

[Corey872]

I have a station with variable temperature...I think I set it once about 10 years ago and haven't touched it since.  The big keys seem to be matching the tip/wattage/solder for the job at hand.  For circuit boards, that means a fairly small / tapered tip, small gauge solder and you can probably get away with 25-40 watts easily.  My station used to have a sponge, when that deteriorated beyond use, I switched to a couple of heavy paper towels folded up and dampened.

I guess the bottom line is, the fancy stuff is nice, but good boards can be assembled with a simple iron, the appropriate tip and solder, and a small paper towel to keep the tip clean.

[chrisatpsu]

It kinda follows your preference.

I still use a 25watt, and 40 watt soldering pencils.
I picked up a cheap $20.00 Weller 25watt pencil b/c it came with different types of tips.
I built an SSR4 (with DMX) with it tonight, and the iron did really well.

Dont feel like you have to get something super expensive just to so some soldering. Remember, this is still just a hobby for most of us.

[Ralph A]

Awesome!!!  Thanks for all the helpful replies.  Lots of great information here.  When most of you started to solder did you use practice boards or just jump in?

Thanks again for all the help.  This group of DIYER's is the Best!!

[TheBanker]

I guess i would really depend on what you intend to work on in the future.  If you intend to do more work on surface mount components then you might want to look more at a rework station like this one.

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The price is good and it has gotten some good reviews.  I am looking into ordering this one myself. 

I just bought this one myself...should be here any day now.

[tbone321]

Cool, let me know what you think of it.

[Al]

Has anyone tryed the BlackJack SolderWerks Soldering Station (BK2000) ?
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also does anyone use lead free solder?