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evandude · 10-30-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ukchris

I've been using a Radio Shack one but have also been looking to replace it, I was recommended these ones http://www.mpja.com/listitemsdirect....item4=15141+TL notably the $40 one or the $50 digital. I'm told they are up to temperature in 30 seconds or so which really appeals, also the built in holder (as I gaze at the burn on my hand!) *lol*

Chris.

A similar station is http://www.web-tronics.com/cispdeesdsas.html , and I can recommend it from personal experience; mine's been running for a couple years now. Like most temperature-controlled irons, it does heat up quickly (on the order of 30 seconds or so also) and you can tweak the heat depending on what you're doing.

However, those are more suited to real electronics work; if all you plan to do with your soldering iron is basic wiring stuff, and maybe some basic electronics stuff, then there's really no need for a temperature-controlled soldering station, and a dirt-cheap iron from home depot, lowes, radio shack, or any auto parts store should be all you need. If you have some opposition to buying anything there, then look for a standard iron by a decent brand (such as weller) that is around 25W, that will be a good general-purpose iron, and you can bust out the big soldering gun for anything too big for it to handle.

10-30-2006, 09:15 AM	#11
evandude FLAC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 937	Quote: Originally Posted by ukchris I've been using a Radio Shack one but have also been looking to replace it, I was recommended these ones http://www.mpja.com/listitemsdirect....item4=15141+TL notably the $40 one or the $50 digital. I'm told they are up to temperature in 30 seconds or so which really appeals, also the built in holder (as I gaze at the burn on my hand!) lol Chris. A similar station is http://www.web-tronics.com/cispdeesdsas.html , and I can recommend it from personal experience; mine's been running for a couple years now. Like most temperature-controlled irons, it does heat up quickly (on the order of 30 seconds or so also) and you can tweak the heat depending on what you're doing. However, those are more suited to real electronics work; if all you plan to do with your soldering iron is basic wiring stuff, and maybe some basic electronics stuff, then there's really no need for a temperature-controlled soldering station, and a dirt-cheap iron from home depot, lowes, radio shack, or any auto parts store should be all you need. If you have some opposition to buying anything there, then look for a standard iron by a decent brand (such as weller) that is around 25W, that will be a good general-purpose iron, and you can bust out the big soldering gun for anything too big for it to handle. __________________ But don't take it from me! here's a quote from a real, live newbie: Quote: Originally Posted by Viscouse I am learning buttloads just by searching on this forum. I've learned 2 big things so far: 1-it's been done before, and 2-if it hasn't, there is a way to do it. eegeek.net