[HH] Soldering iron recommendations

[Adam Fisher]

I just picked up this station for a really good price.

http://sra-solder.com/product.php/6267/0

It's really nice to be able to dial in a precise temperature.  I used a separate digital thermometer to test the temperature settings of the iron and the hot air and it was accurate within a degree C.

Adam Fisher

Sent from my iPad

On May 29, 2012, at 5:42 PM, Tom Metro <tmetro+hhacking at gmail.com> wrote:

> Drew Van Zandt wrote:
>> For fine-pitch stuff, you need a better iron...
> 
> I've been meaning to ask the list for recommendations on irons. What are
> features you look for in an iron and why are they important?
> 
> I've been using the same simple, unregulated Ungar fixed wattage (33 or
> 45 W - don't remember) iron with a micro chisel tip since I was a kid.
> 
> (Here are some vendor pictures:
> http://www.elexp.com/sdr_7400.htm )
> 
> (I'm not sure Ungar is even still in business. Probably bought and
> merged into one of the other companies.)
> 
> For the most part, it doesn't leave me desiring additional
> functionality. I've successfully used it to solder parts with a pitch
> finder than 0.1".
> 
> My understanding is that regulation is important with more sensitive SMD
> parts so you don't overheat them. And newer irons specifically minimize
> electrostatic discharge (ESD) with their designs.
> 
> Professionally I used a 2-piece Weller soldering station, like:
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weller-WTCPS-Soldering-Station-Base-unit-fits-TC201-tools-Power-Supply-/120922482958
> or:
> http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3348441
> 
> which has regulated (fixed, I believe in the model I used) temperature
> and ESD protection. But I always found the manufacturer supplied tips to
> be rather large and clumsy. (Never bothered to order alternatives, which
> I'm sure are available.)
> 
> Back when I was using them, they were quite expensive. Now Weller has
> similar (more hobby quality) models for $50:
> http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/WELLER-WLC100-/21-3475
> 
> And now there are a slew of similar products from lesser known vendors
> in the same price range. MCM regularly has one of their house brand
> (Tenma) stations on sale for $50 or less with even more features, such
> as this digitally controlled model:
> http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/TENMA-21-10115-/21-10115
> 
> What concerns me about these off brands is the availability of tips. Not
> just selection available at the time you buy the iron, but the longevity
> of the supply. (Especially with rebranded stuff, like Tenma, where you
> may never know the real manufacturer. If they claimed to be tip
> compatible with Weller, it would solve it, but they don't.)
> 
> Even Radio Shack has a Digital Soldering Station on sale for $70 this week:
> http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3132686
> 
> So what is to be gained from an upgrade?
> 
> -Tom
> 
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