What wattage solder iron you use?

[davidg86]

I've had all types of solders but always go back to the trusty Weller 40watt with a pencil tip.

One thing I've found over the years is a little flux and being quick with your solders connections keeps the heat up. If you have to rest the iron on there for more then a few secs you might as well clean it off, let it heat back up and restart.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

The TrakPower TK-950 is on sale for $60 again. I have the digital version and love mine. There's no reason to get the digital version of this analog version. Use a Tower coupon and you'll get it for even less.

TrakPower TK-950 Soldering Station | TowerHobbies.com

 

[whitrzac]

The TrakPower TK-950 is on sale for $60 again. I have the digital version and love mine. There's no reason to get the digital version of this analog version. Use a Tower coupon and you'll get it for even less.

TrakPower TK-950 Soldering Station | TowerHobbies.com

Its just a hakko knockoff... I never took apart the control box, but the iron/tip is definitely not hakko on the new ones.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Its just a hakko knockoff... I never took apart the control box, but the iron/tip is definitely not hakko on the new ones.

It's common knowledge that it's a clone of a discontinued Hakko station. It's much cheaper than any current Hakko. I have one. It works well. It's a good option.

The iron/tips are still Hakko compatible as far as I know.

 

[allanon1965]

It's common knowledge that it's a clone of a discontinued Hakko station. It's much cheaper than any current Hakko. I have one. It works well. It's a good option.

The iron/tips are still Hakko compatible as far as I know.

I have one as well and love it! Works great and I have had mine for over 2 years now without any issues.

 

[whitrzac]

It's common knowledge that it's a clone of a discontinued Hakko station. It's much cheaper than any current Hakko. I have one. It works well. It's a good option.

The iron/tips are still Hakko compatible as far as I know.

True, but it's also more expensive than all of the other hakko clones.

The 900L/908 tips are becoming harder to find too:x

 

[DukeMinnix]

like to bring this back to the top as I'm gonna dive in and learn to solder and conquer my fear of electrical work...

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Welding-Soldering-Soldering-Soldering-Irons/N-5yc1vZc8lu

any of these look like they fit the bill?

 

[Digital]

A good soldering iron is an excellent investment. I have a 15 year old Edsyn Loner Adjustable (15W - 220W), they're a little pricey but totally worth it. I also picked up an Edsyn fuminator so that I can live a couple more years. Edsyn or Hakko are great kits for the money. Edsyn is made in the U.S. so there's that.

 

[EZCompany]

like to bring this back to the top as I'm gonna dive in and learn to solder and conquer my fear of electrical work...

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Welding-Soldering-Soldering-Soldering-Irons/N-5yc1vZc8lu

any of these look like they fit the bill?

You can get a cheap 60 watt iron for $10 and it'll do everything you need. Just be sure to get a stand for it, the included ones are usually garbage. But if you're wanting to get something good, go with an adjustable heat/wattage iron. Like Digital said, an Edsyn or Hakko is a good choice.

I've always used a cheap hobbico 60 watt iron with a chisel or pointed tip depending on the job. Although I've had my eye on a new Hakko fx888 soldering station.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANZRT4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JhNAAbJW7DAMS

 

[Jim85IROC]

Older Hakko 888 (non-digital) great iron with temperature adjustable. Here's new digital version, high quality.
HAKKO | Soldering iron | HAKKO FX-888D

I have a HobbyKing pencil iron that plugs into XT-60 lipo battery connection for emergency field soldering, it was like cheap, havent' tried it and wouldn't use for everyday.
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/soldering-iron-30watt-12v-3s-xt60-plug.html

This looks like a great option for field work. I've got a butane powered soldering iron that my cousin got for me off the Snap On truck, but I'm sure there are way less costly equivalents out there. It's been VERY handy for soldering under the dash of vehicles in areas where I couldn't easily plug in a conventional soldering iron. This doohickey looks like it could be a good option for the same reasons.

 

[mewalsh100]

Trak Power TK-950. Awesome and affordable!

 

[pullstarter]

Another vote for Weller, 80 watt chisel tip. I race on road as well so it's great for doing 12awg wire

 

[TacoCrawler]

variable from 10 - 60 watts with an adjustable controller/station and both round & chisel tips. 15 - 30 watts for wiring stuff using the round tip & 30 - 40 watts for soldering motors and other heavy duty soldering - done usually with a chisel tip. 60 watts if yer in a hurry ! Lol

 

[King Dork]

Hakko FX-888D, 70 watts

 

[Jim85IROC]

I always struggled with soldering at home, then I started soldering at work on the Weller stations and felt like a rock star. I never really expected the iron to make such a difference, but it does. I bought the same model Weller station for home and I haven't looked back. All of my soldering on my guitar and RC projects looks light-years better and is effortless. If you solder a lot, spend the money on a quality unit.

 

[JimrC]

Weller 40W iron with solder station and pencil tip for rc work is my go-to.

 

[diezel666]

I always struggled with soldering at home, then I started soldering at work on the Weller stations and felt like a rock star. I never really expected the iron to make such a difference, but it does.

100% agreed. If you're going to find yourself doing any electrical/electronics work more than just a handful of times, a good station is a must.

Weller or Hakko are the only 2 I'll trust and use. Personally I love my Hakko FX-888D a bit more than my old Weller station. Alas, I also do surface mount work on radio gear, so the replaceable tips down to micro size and adjustable heat is something I absolutely need.

FWIW: The hotter the iron, the less time you spend on a solder joint and the lower the chance of a cold solder joint.