Solder Station Recommendations?

I used to have an Edsyn solder station that I bought from Radio Shack about 5 or 6 years ago for around $50.00.

It got lost in my cross-country move.

I'd like to get something of similar quality and not spend more than around $50 or $60.

At most I solder maybe 200 connections in a year. I also have a soldering "gun" for heavier soldering, so the one I'm looking for will be for components that typically mount on a PCB.

Anybody know of a solder station on special, or a favorite that fits my needs and roughly my price range?

Thanks.

--- Joe

Reply to
Joe
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I've had soldering irons for 35 years, most of my life, and I've never had anything more than just an iron. I suspect if you are making so few connections that you can count them, there isn't a big need for anything more than a twenty dollar iron. Just make sure the tips can be replaced, and that they are plated (with whatever they are commonly plated with, it's been so long since I've needed to buy a new tip, I forget).

For most of that time, I've bought modular irons, again I forget who makes them since much of that time I've bought them as Radio Shack branded irons. So you can change the heating element, and the tip, for a lot of flexibility that I've never really taken advantage of. But changeable tips are useful if you want to do some really fine work at times.

Toss in a stand of some sort.

At least, that's the way I'm reading your question. "Soldering station" to me implies a fancier iron with some sort of constant temperature control, and that is overkill for occasional use.

Michael

Reply to
Michael Black

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It's called Google. It's a search engine.

nb

Reply to
notbob

I never heard of Howard Electronics, but I think I did come across this solder station via a google search.

Have you had any dealings with Howard Electronics, or know of them by reputation?

Also, I don't know anything about xytronic. Is it a decent brand?

Thanks.

--- Joe

Reply to
Joe

I'm not the guy who posted that, but I have a 379 (not purchased from Howard) and I have also purchased things from Howard Electronics (such as more tips).

The 379 is great. It is generally only limited by the tip. The big B10 chisel tip can easily solder parts onto big thermal pads. I also like the finer chisel tips for general work. The super sharp tips like like B23 and B03 do work when you need really fine work, but their low thermal mass will slow you down. If you really want to do super fine work all day, buy a Metcal.

I got one of their "mini wave" tips (hollow tip that you load with solder to do smt work) but I haven't tried it yet. In a week or so I'll be mounting some QFPs that should test it.

--
Ben Jackson AD7GD

http://www.ben.com/
Reply to
Ben Jackson

I've not tried it. I have an older Weller, but am considering a Weller WCL100. It's also in your $50 range and has been recommended for SMT soldering, something I'm completely ignorant of.

nb

Reply to
notbob

You might consider an ESD-safe model like the Xytronics 137ESD. A very nice station for about $80. More than your target price, but may be worth the difference.

Chuck

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Reply to
Chuck

WLC100 can't see the cord, but looks like a 2 wire ungrounded. I like Xytronics, been using them for about 20 years. I used two wire irons a great seal. Never blew anything out, in fact, I have soldered powered up units with the ungrounded tips. No recommended, but I have actually forgot to turn equipment off when repairing !!

Love my 80 watt Weller !!!

greg

Reply to
GregS

Check out

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They have a variety of adjustable temperature stations starting under $30.

John

Reply to
John

The "Kalashnikov" of soldering irons is (or was) the original Weller with its simple built-in "mechanical" temperature regulation.

Get a fine point number 7 tip for general use and a broad point number

8 tip for wave-desoldering idc headers.

Robin

Reply to
Robin

"Kalashnikov of soldering stations" - I like that ! It's very true as well. I have had two Weller Magnastat irons in constant daily use for years, and also have a '900 series vacuum desoldering station which uses the same iron. Agreed also on the tip choice that you advocate.

Arfa

Reply to
Arfa Daily

I must be odd in not much liking Weller. I've had Antex for over 40 years and prefer the balance and weight.

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    Dave Plowman        dave@davenoise.co.uk           London SW
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Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

After using the Weller WRS 3000 iron, all others I have been using forever, seem like holding baseball bats, trying to solder.

greg

Reply to
GregS

I would say half my soldering days were with Ungar soldering irons, with the screw-in heaters and screw-in tips. They work if you select the right wattage or use a variable triac heat control, or just use the diode trick to reduce wattage to about a third.

greg

Reply to
GregS

This cable is available here in the UK. e.g.

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(order code AN00041, pre-stripped 1.5m piece.)

I fitted one to my 15W Antex some years ago. It's a bit heavy in my opinion (unbalances a small iron) but a big improvement on the old cable (white PVC with notches melted along it ;-)

Mike.

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Most Antex irons are available with silicone leads which is similar in size and weight to the PVC type. They cost more, of course.

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    Dave Plowman        dave@davenoise.co.uk           London SW
                  To e-mail, change noise into sound.
Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

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