Need a Really Good Soldering Iron

[HeavyHauler]

Hey guys - I need to get a really nice soldering iron once and for all. I've got all these cheap ones and I don't like any of them. What are some of the good brands out there? I'd like to find a "station" setup that has the holder, sponge, extra tips, and storage area. I've seen several on Amazon.



Any recommendations? I normally only work on CBs and mics.

 

[formula]

The lab next door to me at work builds a lot of electronics. I think the irons they have are the Weller type. They have a control box that you can dial in the desired temperature. (as well as the iron holder, sponge, and extra tips)



Sean

 

[formula]

This is very similar (if not the same one) as the irons they have... .



http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/solder/wesd51.htm



Sean

 

[TowPro]

That last link is what I used to use on the bench when I was doing component level electronics repair. Sure are't cheep though.



My only recommendations is make sure it is Electro Static Discharge protected.

 

[Marco]

I've had more Weller stations than I care to mention. Good product! Yet the last soldering Station I've bought is a JBC "advanced ". That advanced means, whenever you put the iron into it's holder it turns the tip off. As soon as you take the iron out it heats up. Takes less than a second for the tip to heat up. Tips last for years now! Top notch product! About the price range of a Weller.



JBC, go for it, you won't be sorry!

EDIT : Ops link to JBC : http://www.jbctools.com/

Marco

 

[Learguy]

I've been soldering on Business Jets for over 20 years. First and last name is Weller... ... .

 

[Nate]

Cold Heat :-laf

 

[HeavyHauler]

Cold Heat :-laf

Yeah I was actually given one of those for Christmas. :-laf It would be fine for small jobs, but I think they all have problems recognizing when they're against the pad or the solder. Mine won't heat up on contact - I have to work it around for a little while.



I really like the looks of those JBC units that Marco suggested. I may try one if I can work it in the budget.

 

[Bob Wagner]

Marco knows his stuff

 

[lil red cummins]

we have 4 Hakko units at our shop. they are the best we have ever had. there are many different models and price ranges. bought the first one on ebay and it still works perfectly after 5 years. they are very light-weight and the handles stay cool even if left on all day. the oldest one is a model 932 and is still available through a few sources.



our newest one is ready in 10 seconds and tips can be changed on the fly while hot. it is the model FP-102.



these units are used every day. some days they will be on for the full 8 hours.



good luck



check the whole line here



jim

 

[Marco]

I've had Hakko too with not so good results. I've been a Weller fan and user for over 20 years...



Did I tell you that I turn on the JBC first thing in the morning and turn it off in the evening when I leave the shop? EVERY day at least 12 hours for the last six years. Never a problem. For example, all the CaTCHER ECM's have been done with that unit. I have yet to change a tip.....



Marco

 

[rbattelle]

I have this one. Bottom-of-the-line Weller, but it's served me faithfully for the past couple years (home use, not industrial). With soldering, I think most would agree that "technique" is more important than the equipment (to a point). I've only ever used Wellers, but I really like the idea of those JBC units!!



-Ryan

 

[AKAMAC]

This is the one I use. http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/solder/wesd51.htm

It has an auto off function for tip life.

Mike

 

[nauidvr1]

I have both a Weller and a Hakko station. Both are good, but the Weller is my preferred station to use.



P. S. Now I will have to check out a JBC, that Marco mentioned - I am in the market for a third one anyway!

 

[Marco]

Would you have asked me before I got the JBC, my answer would have been

Weller, Weller, Weller! No doubt. I've always used Weller over a period of prboably close to 20 years. Got my first soldering station in the late '70's.



Since I got the JBC... well, it's simply the first welding tool that has never given me any problem in years of use (and abuse). I've replaced all the Weller tools when they broke over the years and switched over to JBC.



JBC!



Marco

 

[Dane]

Got my first soldering station in the late '70's

I've got a Weller that I bought in the 70s that's still works great. I did have to fix the power cord once...



Kidding aside, I like the idea of the station switching off when not in use as long as the heat comes back fast when you need it. I think Weller has a similar model (or used to in the late 80s or early 90s) It would go into a reduced power mode untill picked up again. It was a tad slow for my work speed back then though

 

[Rman]

How much you want to spend? Weller's are good "cheap" iron's. The Pace equipment we have at work is very nice, but very expensive.



Pace is the only way to go in my book. I have weller's at home for my home stuff, but I take everything important to work to use a real iron.

 

[Rman]

http://www.paceworldwide.com/productPage.asp?productID=94



that's a good link for a nice bench setup.



The MBT350 is a fine machine as well, just doesn't have the rotary repair tool. I use the 350 because it has 3 independant channel controls for multiple irons. That way you can have a small tip and larger tip hot and ofcourse the desolder tip. Changing tips when they're hot is no fun.



Just remember these aren't weller's, the pace PRC 2000 is $4100.