solder iron specs....first job what should i get

[neilwight]

hi guys,

just rounding up parts for my first DIY job, the mighty SSL compressor

i an pretty proficient at soldering cables etc but ive a pretty crappy iron so im going to get a new one for this job as PCBs and components are much more fragile than cabling.

thing is does anyone have any advice as to what spec i should be looking at for jobs like these. temp range, current rating etc would be really helpful.

thanks

 

[Guest]

i use a crappy 40 watt from radio shack / and that works great .

only prob it eats tips pretty good , so now i use their tip cleaner, extends

the life a bit more.(bahahha bastards)


"give the razors , sell the blades"

the weller stations are very nice , usually 80 bucks ,

nice heat control. tips seem to last a long time ,

any how , i think with the heat control , its easier to turn it down ,

when your not using it , or rather setting up other components and such.


thats my 2 cents , and my essay for the day.

 

[bcarso]

I've been happy with my Hakko 926.

 

[neilwight]

thanks guys, will look them up and see if i can get a comparison to some here in the UK.

i was unsure as to what wattage etc i should be going for. just knew too cold or hot was bad

 

[tmbg]

get one of the cheaper adjustable temp stations, like the hakko 836 or weller WLC-100


I have the WLC-100, it has done me fine, and it's like $45 at fry's. They make a 1/32" tip for it that's great for fine work.