Soldering irons

[Covenant]

My soldering iron is a cheap one and I find it doesn't get hot enough at the tip. Its a 30watt model. Are the 60w ones better or should I go for a brand name?

[symon]

I think general advice on soldering irons would be really helpful. I would like to consider the possibility of doing my own DIY stuff, but I have no idea about soldering irons, what to get, how they work, and all that stuff. I hope Jerry won't mind if I ask that responses are a bit wider in their scope, and perhaps take a more simple, layman's tone. (Or maybe I should just start a new thread?)

[Mike]

There's just no substitute for good old practise.

Have a read here, and get stuck in!

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My own set-up is quite simple.

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Fas...pply/32689/kw/

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Fas...nges/30437/kw/

http://www.rapidonline.com/sku/Tools.../61556/85-4850

It might look expensive at first but compared to some it isnt!... Will last for years and years too.

[symon]

There's just no substitute for good old practice.

Have a read here, and get stuck in!

Fantastic! I haven't got time to read properly and digest now, but that looks like just the ticket. Thank'ee!!

[Covenant]

I think general advice on soldering irons would be really helpful. I would like to consider the possibility of doing my own DIY stuff, but I have no idea about soldering irons, what to get, how they work, and all that stuff. I hope Jerry won't mind if I ask that responses are a bit wider in their scope, and perhaps take a more simple, layman's tone. (Or maybe I should just start a new thread?)

Good idea Symon, general soldering advice welcome.

Mike, I was afraid you would say a poor workman blames his tools (but in a diplomatic way) It really isnt hot enough at the end though. I am sure a better one would help....

[chrism]

Have a look on ebay under soldering station - 50w Variable Temperature Control Soldering Station Iron (appears to be Maplins ex stock) for £12.99. You can buy various tips for it as well.

Should be good for most jobs unless it is those tiny surface mounted items then you will definitely need a flat tipped bit for it to go with the hands of a surgeon and eyes like a bat - sorry eagle.

Regards

Chris

[Mike]

I've edited my post above to show the equipment I use...

[chrism]

Nice stuff Mike for anyone who intends to do a lot of mods or building. Cheapo ones are fine for small projects and a bit of tweaking. My own Maplins one has lasted nearly 5 years without any probs.

Not so much the type of iron but learning the right way and a bit of trial and error.

Regards

[Mike]

Cheapo ones are fine for small projects and a bit of tweaking.

Quite right!

Mine gets a hell of a lot of use, and has done for many years. Hence the 'investment'. It was worth it. A good point with the Weller is that the tips just never wear out, the one in there at the moment still looks new after almost five years!

[Puffin]

Have a look on ebay under soldering station - 50w Variable Temperature Control Soldering Station Iron (appears to be Maplins ex stock) for £12.99. You can buy various tips for it as well.

Should be good for most jobs unless it is those tiny surface mounted items then you will definitely need a flat tipped bit for it to go with the hands of a surgeon and eyes like a bat - sorry eagle.

Regards

Chris

Unfortunately I have had two Maplin solder stations (one cheap - on offer and the other more expensive). Both were crap and broke within a year. The tips are nothing ot write home about either.