Solder / Soldering Irons ?

[Audio Al]

As I will be doing some soldering ( New for me )

I have read that you need a good hot iron that can transmit heat quickly to a isolated area and not one that only gets to a medium heat level causing the slow heat build up to travel along the electrical component possibly causing heat damage

With the above in mind can anyone recomend a decent quality iron

Also the best type of solder to get

Silver
Lead
prefluxed etc

Thanks

[Barry]

I use a thermostatically controlled Weller soldering station. It is set up for tin/lead solder.

If you are going to use silver-loaded solder you will need a iron that can reach a higher temperature. The best bet would be to buy a solder station where you can 'dial in' the tip temperature.

Something like 20 watts should be fine.

[brian2957]

I use one of these . http://www.maplin.co.uk/50w-solder-station-35016

Also best if you can get a solder with a low melting point
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WBT-SILVER...-/350644551432

I'm not an expert and I'm sure someone with more expertise than me will be along to give their take on this
but these work for me .

[Martinh]

+1 for the Weller soldering station.

If you get one of these, you'll never need to buy another.

Also make sure that the lead to the iron is nice and flexible. We have a budget Maplin one at work that has a stiff lead and its a pain to use. Consequently, the Weller one is the only one that gets used.

[sq225917]

i use the Maplin one it's ok decent wattage, sometimes for big chunks, output transitors/heatsinks etc 25 watts won't be enough. Also if working old boards you need to get in and out fast so quick heat transfer is important.

A big old chisel tip with a nice sharp edge suits me best. Easy to transfer heat and the sharp edge allows for work with small SMT parts.

A temp controlled unit is best.

[Audio Al]

I use one of these . http://www.maplin.co.uk/50w-solder-station-35016

Also best if you can get a solder with a low melting point
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WBT-SILVER...-/350644551432

I'm not an expert and I'm sure someone with more expertise than me will be along to give their take on this
but these work for me .

I use one of these . http://www.maplin.co.uk/50w-solder-station-35016

The reviews are crap 1 out of 5 on one review

[Mark Grant]

If you dont want to spend on a decent make soldering station an Antex TCS would be good and does not cost much.

The temperature control is built into the handle and adjusted with a small screwdriver.

It is 50 watts so has some power for when the going gets tough.

http://www.rapidonline.com/tools-equ...ng-iron-30198/

http://www.antex.co.uk/product.asp?s...D=180&P_ID=828

Buy the one with silicone flex from rapid as is very flexible and does not melt when you accidentally touch it with a hot bit.

[Barry]

I think mine is the same as this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-WTCP-...31369&sr=8-244

[Audio Al]

I think mine is the same as this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-WTCP-...31369&sr=8-244

Sadly out of my price range for the odd job

[Martinh]

I think mine is the same as this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-WTCP-...31369&sr=8-244

That's the one I have too. Didn't realise that they cost that much.