Can't decide on which soldering iron?

[p4ddy]

My wifes buying me a new Soldering Iron for my birthday & i still can't decide which of these to get. Someone (forgot the name) did give some advice on which but i'm starting a new thread to get more imput. Firstly i'm crap at soldering & this is probably partly due to using inadequit irons. My attempts at soldering deans melted the plastic (genuine deans from aurorra) & so i went back to bullet. I'm after one that will be a good all round modeling iron suitable for deans & maybe repairing things. She's spending up to £70 so it's either £70 on the iron (or is that overkill for my purposes?) or less & some heli bits maybe. I realy want to get this right 1st time & be happy with it & i want it to last.

And don't say "get a weller" as i'm choosing from this selection


http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?menuno=84068
Thanks

[marktigere1]

If your a beginner at soldering, then there is no need to spend that much.

We use Antex at work as they are British made but more importantly bullet proof and totally reliable.

I have the 25 Watt version at home shown here: Standard soldering irons --- Antex

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Mark

[p4ddy]

Bullet proof?? That's why my Antex fell apart? the whole bloody tip fell out & burnt lots of lines in the carpet & it was done up tight aswell. I won't use them again i'm afraid. I want a temperature control iron with work station.

But thankyou for your help

[SimonV6]

I have one of these, great little iron and can be used in the field and as a blow torch too
Solder Pro 70 Gas Soldering Iron > Maplin

[mark Taylor]

i bought one of these a few months ago in the sale for £40
60W LCD Display Solder Station > Maplin
it's gone back to full price.
but to be honest it's the only soldering iron you will ever need
excellent control of tip temp
cheers

[unwind-protect]

For what it's worth I have the 4th one down (white temperature controlled soldering station). I have to whack it up full (over 400 degrees C) when soldering deans, etc. Also use it at 400 degrees on threadlocked bolts, etc. Very useful!

[SadSack]

Pro Soldering Station, Electronics, Components, DIY. on eBay, also, Other Electronics Accessories, Accessories, Consumer Electronics (end time 05-Jul-09 15:03:27 BST)

My dad had this before me...could be 9 years old maybe!?
Anything from deans > 0405 SMD Standard tips so get them everywhere. Use a little flux on cable pluming grade will do. Pre solder cable and deans bring together feed little solder in done. I can do it with one hand. But good tip rather than hold soldering iron hold it down or in vice you'll find that very easy then.

[maderdog_1024]

I have this one;
48W LCD Display Solder Station > Maplin

does everything i ever need for modeling and auto electrical.

cheers

mike

[5exi]

I have one of these, great little iron and can be used in the field and as a blow torch too
Solder Pro 70 Gas Soldering Iron > Maplin

+1 on that great bit of kit, I never used a plug in iron after i got mine

[Nick B]

Found this to be excellant for a mains job

[ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-9200udk-Soldering-Gun-Kit/dp/B0001P174W]Weller 9200udk Soldering Gun Kit: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools[/ame]

[andylinney]

Paddy, the best thing I ever bought to help my soldering was one of those 'helping hands' things (it's like two little croc clips on a frame with a magnifying lense) for a few quid. It just frees your hands up and let's you position things accurately.

[marktigere1]

Bullet proof?? That's why my Antex fell apart? the whole bloody tip fell out & burnt lots of lines in the carpet & it was done up tight aswell. I won't use them again i'm afraid. I want a temperature control iron with work station.

Never experienced that and we use them throughout the company as well as at home.

Never needed a temperature controlled one for soldering hobby stuff to be honest.

Still, you pay's your money

[p4ddy]

This ones on sale now at £19.99. If this ones good enough & should last i could get this plus some other heli stuff.50W Solder Station > Maplin

[David Drew]

I have this one;
48W LCD Display Solder Station > Maplin

does everything i ever need for modeling and auto electrical.

cheers

mike

I've got one of these. Excellent and very useful with the other tips, blowtorch etc. Great in the field.
David

[p4ddy]

Well i went & got the 50W one that's in my last link plus some spare tips. I can't use it till my birthday. I now have to decide on what else i want?? metal tail case?(trex 450) scorpion motor?? or a set of carbon blades??