Want to buy a soldering Iron, any suggestions?

[x-pride]

It just depends on what you are soldering. I use my butane torch when working in the car or outside. When I am at a desk or workshop I use a pencil tip with temp control. If you don't soldier much just buy a 20 to 40 watt pencil tip soldering iron. If you want to solder 10 guage wire with a pencil tip trying using some flux.

[311evo]

When I worked at Innovative Audio we tested a lot of different styles and brands. This one was the best all around, you can use it for everything and is super adjustable.

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WES51-Analog-Soldering-Station/dp/B000BRC2XU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1239609445&sr=1-1

[turbotalon1g]

Guys thanks for the suggestions, Like I said I don't really solder that much but I do want a quality product and I thought that it would be one of those things you buy one and it lasts forever, esp. with the occasional use that it sees.

I like the Hakko 936 & weller WES51, but do you guys think that the entry level weller would be enough for me. (I'm down to these 3)

[scheides]

I've used a $12 radio shack iron for about 10 years with little or no problems. I'd recommend the butane one if you're going to be semi portable with it; in the car and whatnot, getting rid of the cord mess is a dream. If you have a station you're going to setup, go with the one mattd posted, great bang/buck and it'll last forever too.

[hellomynameis]

I have the Weller P2KC Portasol Professional Self-igniting Cordless Butane Soldering Iron Kit. I really like it. It comes with a tip, cutter, and hot air tips. It's great for working in the car and the hot air tips are great for shrink tube. I tried a cordless electric one and it sucked...for light duty, I'd say go with this one, get a 'station' style one if you have a bunch of work to do...

http://www.amazon.com/P2KC-Portasol-Professional-Self-igniting-Soldering/dp/B000WOHSHM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1239634416&sr=1-5

[Matt D.]

do you guys think that the entry level weller would be enough for me.
Yes. I solder a lot because of my RC cars, so I bought something that I knew could handle everything from soldering small wire all the way to sub-C cell batteries and 12ga wire on motors. You'll be able to get by with the cheaper Weller just fine.

If you find that it doesn't solder thicker wire well, try a larger chisel tip before getting a different iron. The bigger tip holds heat better and will allow it to heat up what you're working on without cooling too fast and reduce the chance of a cold solder joint.

Let me know if you want some lessons or whatever. Get yourself some 60/40 rosin core solder (60% tin, 40% lead, and the core contains rosin flux to help the solder flow) and you'll be set. Feel free to get some flux paste as well, it'll help with tinning and getting solder onto things for the first time, also makes solder harder when it cools.

[turbotalon1g]

This is basically for stuff on the cars, I usually just run an extension cord with the pencil type and its alright.

So i went and did the sensible thing and got the old one out of the trash, it was right on top and actually not even dusty.
I will try replacing the tip and go from there, i looked at it and its a 40 watt.

$2 for new tip and I will pick some tip tinner stuff.

Matt D. I am down to learn some stuff.

[turbotalon1g]

So, I picked up a portasol pro piezo:

Portasol Pro Piezo PP-1K Cordless Self Igniting Soldering and Heat Tool Kit
Specifically for professional users that prefer the smaller pocket size. Combines 4 tools in one, soldering iron, blowtorch, hot knife and hot air tool. Kit contents include: Soldering iron, 2.4 mm tip, hot and deflector tip, blow torch tip, knife tip, wire stand, cleaning sponge and tray, storage case and instructions. The PTLPP-1K is a pocket-sized powerhouse, used in the automotive, electronics and telecom industries. Some features:

15 - 75 Watts; To 2,372 degrees F/1,300 degrees C - compact, Powerful precision soldering tool converts to a blow torch, hot knife and hot air blower
10 second refill time - no cords, No leads, no batteries to charge, simply fill with standard butane and use.
40 second heat up; 45 minute run time - ready to use almost instantly; pocket-sized powerhouse
Interchangeable tips - 2.4 mm tip, hot and deflector tip, blow torch tip, knife tip
Self Igniting - no flints, no matches, no lighters. This tool features a self-ignition push button for ease of use
One Year Replacement Warranty, Made in Ireland


This is exactly like the snap on one, its probably the same they sell for over $150, I got it at tool time outlet in albertville for $70 out the door and found some 4ga long jumper cable for $15 too.
Needless to say Shaun hooked me up, If you need one go get this soldering iron, my cousin has the same one at his shop and its bomb.

[b00sted_spyder]

Bumping this back from the dead. I'm in the market for a solder iron. I'd like a nice kit that can do small pins on circuit boards. Any recommendation?