Soldering iron/station

[J_K_M_A_N]

Right now I am using a radio shack iron (I don't do much) but it seems like I might get into this a little more since it is so fun. I have a couple gift cards to Amazon. Can anyone recommend a soldering iron or station in the $50 range for a part time user like myself? Also, what kind of tip should I be using to solder/de-solder capacitors? Flat tip or pointed?

Any other advise?

J_K_M_A_N

[mariushm]

Re: Soldering iron/station

Make an effort and get this one at $80 :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004M3U0VU...48R0ABNHAPAC0&

It's a lifetime purchase, you'll easily find tips for it for the next 10-20 years and it's a quality station.

As for what tips, it doesn't really matter, and it's a question of personal style. Some like the chisel tips, some can work with conical tips just as well. I have no problems desoldering capacitors with a conical tip. I just apply a drop of flux, then some solder on the leads then apply the tip horizontally on both solder points to heat both at the same time and pull out the capacitor.

[ratdude747]

Re: Soldering iron/station

Get this:

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-W60P-60...7011948&sr=1-1

I inherited one... It is great for recapping. It also has temp control based on the tip you use- the tips have a magnet on the end that uses curie points to control the temp (the number stamped on the end * 100F is the temp the tip uses). Also the tips are rather inexpensive (usually $5 a piece, and they are well made).

Also get a good stand/sponge for it if you don't already:

http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-Solderi...7012360&sr=1-1

I use one of those... the sponge does wear out; to replace them, find a cheap cellulose sponge (not plastic) and use a utility knife to cut it to size. most sponges can be cut into two that fit.

I used to suggest these irons:

http://www.xytronic-usa.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=99

But amazon doesn't have them and for some boards, 30W isn't quite enough. (but if all you have is $20, it's a good choice )


I suggest chisel tips. conical tips don't deliver the heat as well . as for size, get a 1.5mm and a 3mm... the smaller of for precision work (it comes in handy) and the bigger is for recapping and the like.

[J_K_M_A_N]

Re: Soldering iron/station

Make an effort and get this one at $80 :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004M3U0VU...48R0ABNHAPAC0&

It's a lifetime purchase, you'll easily find tips for it for the next 10-20 years and it's a quality station.

As for what tips, it doesn't really matter, and it's a question of personal style. Some like the chisel tips, some can work with conical tips just as well. I have no problems desoldering capacitors with a conical tip. I just apply a drop of flux, then some solder on the leads then apply the tip horizontally on both solder points to heat both at the same time and pull out the capacitor.

I ordered it up. Hopefully I will have it by the end of the week. Thanks for the advice.

J_K_M_A_N

[J_K_M_A_N]

Re: Soldering iron/station

Thank you for the suggestion. This thing is a million times better than what I was using. I love it. Glad I spent the money. It heats up incredibly fast and it gets much hotter which makes de-soldering so much easier. I am working on repairing my 3rd and 4th monitor now. Thanks again.

J_K_M_A_N