Anyone here know soldering irons?

[Phylodog]

I need to upgrade to a better quality tool. I've been using a wood burner for several years now to stipple polymer pistols and it is showing it's age. I'd like to upgrade to something a little better at maintaining it's temperature. I also need something with a short distance between the point and the grip.

Been looking around the net and there are a few in the $300 range that I'm sure would be perfect but that's a touch outside of the budget at the moment. Hoping to find something around $150 or less. Anyone have a recommendation?

 

[USMCj]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

goto radio shack and buy their butane powered soldering iron, it doent get shorter than that. and you can control the burn rate.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

I would say that you should be looking or a 40-45 watt unit, at least. They are usually 'find-able' in the 30 to 50 dollar range. The length may dissuade you though.

Electronic units, with variable wattage and fancy stands can be somewhat pricey. There are other options though, depending on the hobby/tool stores that you have around you.

The majority of the entry-level soldering irons are 35-35 watt, and they obviously take longer to heat up, and re-heat.

 

[aj_brown]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

Cory

Do a search on WELLER'S DIGITAL WESD51 street price of $149.00

Alan

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

Thanks Alan & Sean

 

[DogboneS]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

I recommend the Hakko 936 variable heat soldering irons, 60 watts up to 900deg. They heat up very quick. I have one and they run @ $80-90.

 

[ryder198]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

+1 on the Wellers.

 

[Parallax]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

The Hakko and Weller variable are both great units... I like the Weller WTCPT iron.... an industry standard that's been around for years. The tips (avalable in 3 heat ranges) control the temperature extreemly accurately, no dials, no buttons very simple to use. I've had one for use on electronics/radio repair for years... also ~$150 when on sale. There is an amazing array of interchangable tip types, styles and sizes available for these... and they are pretty cheap.

Weller WTCPT Soldering Station

 

[Guest]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

Links for pricing.

Weller

Hakko

 

[drmarc]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

I've used Weller's for over 20 years with no problem. Get a good one first and be done with it. If you buy cheap you'll eventually ruin something your working on because the tip isn't hot enough to get the job done instantly and just sits there and heats up parts you don't want hot. A good Weller will last you a long time.

 

[cookietheswede]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

One more for Weller. I have been installing commercial audio/video systems for 14yrs and have had only two Weller soldering irons. The first one didn't pass the 80' drop test. I use mine almost every day. Never a problem

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

Thanks for the help guys. Just got home with my new Weller WD1002 w/stand. Frye Electronics had it marked down to $149 but only had the display model left. I asked about a box, power cord and instruction manual. They found a power cable but no box or instructions so I got it for $145 out the door. Judging from the prices I'm seeing online I think I did pretty well.

 

[RJW]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

Glad to see you bought a new unit. Means you are keeping the stippling business going.

You do great work

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Anyone here know soldering irons?

Ooohhh,,, Aaaahhhhh....

Shiney things....

Seriously though, good job. That should be a good unit, from a great company. Now back to business, eh?