Soldering Irons

[Wayne J]

Not all soldering irons are created equal. I went into this venture with an old Weller SP23 hobby iron. I thought I had a decent iron for this stuff. I struggled a bit with tips and heat, but wrote it off as inexperience. Then it was suggested to pick up a better iron. It was suggested that a CSI unit would be much better. I bought one, and after the first use, I wish I had bought it when I started. There are better ones than this one, but it is really hard to beat the price for what you get.
When purchasing be sure to get extra tips, as it only comes with one.

Either of these units are great...
http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307


8)

[Macrosill]

I use the CSI-Station2A listed above. I love it. Best iron I have ever used and a very affordable price, $49.95.

[stempile]

I agree that a GOOD soldering iron is best tool you can have, if you plan to solder a lot! Saves time and saves your components from getting burned up!

I can't remember how I came to this iron, but I like it and it heats up quickly. From turn on to soldering temp it takes 30 seconds. However it is more expense then the previously mentioned irons ($60). It comes with a 1/32" tip, 1/16" is an option also.


http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...oductId=229673


ms

[teberle]

I have a CSI Station 1A and the price was right.

[wjohn]

best investment you can make is a good temp controlled Solder Iron.

I has used professional Soldering Stations worth in excess of 1000$, and the humble 100$ unit is just as good for Mr Joe average.

http://www.altronics.com.au/index.as...=item&id=T2442




This is the one I use.

[JaysonH]

I use these:



For soldering and this for de-soldering:



The soldering station is ESD certified, I'm anal about the whole static thing. I use all this on a ESD/Anti-static mat and of course have such map at my feel/wheels of chair. While wearing a wrist grounding strap. My wife still makes comments like, "See, you're connected to that thing more than you are me."

With this co-op darn near out of the way... I suppose its time to ensure I'm 'connected' to her a little more often. Enough said.

[JohnByrne]

Are any of the Weller irons any good?

[JaysonH]

I have a Weller 100w gun that is roughly 20 years old and still kicking.

[JohnByrne]

Only asking because Weller is a Cooper Hand Tools product and I work for Cooper Lighting. I think I'll ask if I get a discount ;)

[Macrosill]

You work for Cooper Lighting aye. Hmm. I will be requiring about 30 H7IC air tight cans with 410W's.