What soldering iron to use

HercTNT · 08/02/2012, 09:06 PM

Some of you know my latest project was to be a modded majesco gamegear. My brand new soldering died at the beginning of the project. this is my third iron in the last year. Can someone please recommend a quality iron that they use for their projects. Also my last iron was 40w the one before it was 30w. 30 just did not seem hot enough, 40 seems really hot. Whats best for these type of projects. any feedback would be appreciated.

wilykat · 08/02/2012, 09:23 PM

If you use soldering iron a lot and have the money, go with something like Weller soldering iron. Variable power and can last a long time.

I use a cheap one from Radio Shack, live time total of 2 the first one lasted almost 10 years before it died. The second (current one) has been used for 3 years and no failure yet. I go with cheap ones because I average about 100 hours of use per year since I left electronic repair business (50 hours a week back then)

BlueBMW · 08/02/2012, 09:33 PM

I use this soldering station... it hasnt let me down yet. I love it!

http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX-888-Soldering-Station/dp/B004M3U0VU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343957585&sr=8-1&keywords=hakko+fx-888

CGQuarterly · 08/02/2012, 09:42 PM

I have a Weller WES51.

Modded quite a few consoles with it, made tons of cables, built RGB amps, etc and it's still going strong. Just used it today, in fact.

Chris

HercTNT · 08/02/2012, 10:14 PM

Thanks for the reply guys I appreciate it. I'm looking for something alittle more affordable as i'm a casual modder. Also a recommendation on the wattage would help as well.

CGQuarterly · 08/03/2012, 01:10 AM

Well, we're recommending nice irons because you mentioned going through three of them in the last year. A good soldering iron is a tool that should last you a very long time.

I have a Hakko in my tool bag at work. I've only had to use it twice, but it seems nice. Can't recall the wattage, though.

Chris

Edit: I think I have this one. http://www.frys.com/product/1556308

Duo_R · 08/03/2012, 02:05 AM

I personally use a Weller, I had one that was like 15 years old and then uPgraded to a newer one. Those radioshack ones are good for small time hobbyist but not ongoing projects. Mine had variable temperature. Also a desolating iron is a great investment, for that I just use the cheap $15 iron from RadioShack.

HercTNT · 08/03/2012, 02:37 AM

Jabba, that hakko looks nice, thanks for the link.

soop · 08/03/2012, 06:39 AM

I just had the crazy thought that if I had the same soldering iron, I might be as good at soldering as Beemer. It was a nice pipe dream while it lasted.

BlueBMW · 08/03/2012, 07:55 AM

Quote from: soop on 08/03/2012, 06:39 AMI just had the crazy thought that if I had the same soldering iron, I might be as good at soldering as Beemer. It was a nice pipe dream while it lasted.

Honestly all it takes is practice. Im not sure on my exact join date here but that is about when I started tinkering with soldering / fixing stuff. You can learn to do it!