Best budget soldering iron?

[Steve17]

So, my I have done a few guitar projects that require soldering and my $10 Radio shack special iron is just not cutting it anymore. So I am looking for something better in the under $75 category. I can go more if need be, but thats just the number I have in my head. The type of projects I am usually doing range from populating pedal pcbs to soldering to the backs of pots and pickup base plates. I saw this one on GF: http://store.guitarfetish.com/xyniprsost0w.html

So is that one any good? Overkill? Other suggestions?

[Rich Rice]

We have a couple of Hakko soldering stations, which have been excellent for guitar and amp work. These run under $100 shipped.

I don't have any experience with the one you mentioned.

[Aura]

For your needs a 25w to 30 watts should suffice.I've been using ANTEX soldering irons ever since I started on electronics.Very good & reliable in my experience.The unregulated ones cost about £ 15.00 in the UK. (approx.$35.00)

I use a 25W for general soldering & a 18W for electronic PCB work ( A 25 Watter is ok for both! work)

I think these are available in the USA too!

www,antex.com or
www.antex.co.uk

[theunrulychef]

I use a Hakko 456 for amp work. Had to buy a temp regulator & make a stand, but the iron is about $55, so that comes under your budget. I'm pretty sure the Hakko will last longer than I will.

[daz]

Another vote for hakko. I have the 936 station, one at work thats used every day and one at home. they are both about 8 years old and neither has ever had a single problem. Tip seem to last way longer than anything i've used before, iron heats up fast, (20-30 seconds) and they are dead reliable. I will never use anything else because after 8 years i have not had one issue with them. The one thing i didn't like is mine have no on/off light ! Only a heat light that tells you when it's heating. But no biggie, as i installed lights in them. But you shouldn't have to do that. I suspect the latest ones must have lights, tho i dunno. In any case, look no further than hakko. they're fantastic IMO.

By the way, i can't tell you how many wellers i have seen go south, and they cost a LOT more.

[Steve17]

Thanks for all the input. I researched all of your suggestions and decided to go with the Hakko 936. It comes next week and I have a tremolo pedal (4ms tremulus) just waiting to be put together. I'm so excited.

[Rich Rice]

Thanks for all the input. I researched all of your suggestions and decided to go with the Hakko 936. It comes next week and I have a tremolo pedal (4ms tremulus) just waiting to be put together. I'm so excited.

You won't regret it. I checked ours, and both are the 936 stations. Stellar performance.

[daz]

Good choice steve. And buy one or two spare tips.....that should last you the rest of your life. Seriously...they DO last forever on these things? I think i went thru 10 tips with my lousy wellers for every one hakko tip.

[Jim Darr]

Make sure to keep the tips properly tinned and cleaned.

Jim

[Steve17]

Make sure to keep the tips properly tinned and cleaned.

Jim

I have never had a soldering iron I really gave a darn about before. So, what is involved in keeping the tip properly tinned and cleaned?

[Jim Darr]

I have never had a soldering iron I really gave a darn about before. So, what is involved in keeping the tip properly tinned and cleaned?

I basically keep mine tinned with a good coating of quality electrical solder and use a damp sponge to keep it clean while working. Many solder stations/holders come with a sponge for this purpose and even have place to put it while in use.

This site has good general information on the tip care topic (even though it is intended for stained glass use).
http://www.inlandcraft.com/Uguides/tipcare.htm

Jim

[Euthymia]

I've been using a Xytronic 379 for years. Temperature controlled station.

Best place to buy them is usually Circuit Specialists, which sells them for $44, but it looks like they are out of them at the moment.

[Dave Kerr]

I bought a Xytronix 137ESD off the 'bay a year or so back for somewhere around $70, couldn't be happier.