Soldering Iron recommendation

D

Dark Zero

Gawd
Joined
Feb 27, 2008
Messages
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I need help deciding/choosing a proper soldering iron and hopefully you guys can give some advice or recommendations of your own. I have various projects that require one so instead of borrowing one from my cousin (lives far away, which is unreliable) I might aswell just invest in one of my own.

I need something that is appropriate for soldering on delicate system boards, probably be using very thin wiring. I have a DSlite I need to repair (involves soldering speakers to upper screen), also some door lock modules on my car I need to remedy, then I'll probably just toy around on other things such as other various small repairs on electronics or even customizing my consoles. I've read that working with a 15watt pencil iron is idle for work on sensative things such electronic boards or system boards.

These were the current ones I was looking at. Any input or recommendations is appreciated. thanks!

Weller SP-12 (12 watt pencil iron)
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/CF_Files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103479716

Antex M12
http://www.antex.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=180&P_ID=965
 
I've gone through several cheap irons and finally upgraded to:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7508
It's temperature controlled, which is far better than a specific wattage rating. If you don't have enough watts, the components draw out all the heat from the iron without getting hot enough. The iron then slooowly recovers and heats everything up, but in the meantime all the things being soldered have heated up too much and you risk damaging sensitive chips. A stronger iron will heat the joint quickly and it won't be necessary to hold the iron to the joint for a long time. The temperature control allows you to have a powerful iron that heats up quickly and recovers quickly, but doesn't get so hot that it burns the flux.
 
I honestly don't know how dedicated I'll be to this over the years, that's why i was looking at the ones linked (and a few others I didn't link). The station you linked seems pretty good and doesn't cost all that much, guess its something else to consider.
 
As Fenris_Ulf said, it is important for the iron to get and stay hot so you can heat the component quickly and get off of it. I have one just from Radio shack that I really like. I've had/used more than my fair share of irons and this is by far my favorite. It's a little frightening at first with the fire and all, but it does a great job heating the solder very quickly. Plus it's butane powered, so you don't need an outlet or batteries (very handy for vehicle electronics repairs).

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062753
 
What is "delicate"...what gauge leads? If you are removing ICs and the like, get an SMT rework station....they are pricey as hell, but if you are good enough with electronics to work on circuit boards, you can probably get a dead one on ebay for about $30 and rebuild it.

I got a Metcal MX for free and rebuilt it...I now have a $900 SMT rework setup, that works flawlessly at anything I throw it at.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I already ordered an iron the other week. If/when I get really good and see the need one day, maybe I'll get a station. Thanks again, now is when the fun begins.
 
Might be a dumb question, when do you know you need to upgrade to a setup with a soldering station? (edit seems to be answered above will ponder about it)
I seem to be doing okay with my radioshack $7 iron but I have melted quite a few things :[

And for those clone units, would it be more difficult to find replacement tips?

I have seen a simple soldering station at frys for about $25 but I wasn't sure if it was worth it or if I should just go for it.
 
Go for the Weller. It looks more durable and I know they're quality stuff because it's what we use in the lab I work in. As long as you take care of it and use it properly it will last for ages.
 
Those cheap weller irons suck. I bought a hakko 936 and I haven't looked back.
 
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