Want to buy a soldering Iron, any suggestions?

[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)

[Matt D.]

Originally Posted by turbotalon1g

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.