Soldering Iron Needed;

Ice Rich

Ice Rich

Ice Rich

Soldato
Joined
3 Dec 2004
Posts
2,643
Hi all,

I have a few basic soldering jobs I need doing. Only very basic things at the moment but plan to go on to slightly more complex things.

I've been looking at some soldering irons and have found the following on a popular auction site, 'SMD Rework Station HOT AIR & IRON 2 in 1'. It's from china.

I was wondering if any knowledgeable soldering people could have a look and give me their opinion?

Thanks,
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I've got one of the butane powered soldering irons from (the place that sounds like a fictional holiday camp) that I've had for years. It does everything I've ever needed. When you need to, you can get more heat out of it than any electric iron I've used.
 
It's something I wouldn't touch with a bargepole.
Cheap chinese rubbish, just as likely to electrocute you as work, and even then it'll be shoddy.

Have a look at the Antec range, you don't really need much. In your situation, I'd probably reccomend one of the small low-wattage irons and a selection of different sized bits. (I'm presuming you only really want to do things at about PCB sort of size, not bigger)
Otherwise, if you're looking to go higher find a temperature adjustable variant which can take the bigger sized bits. Temperature adjustable is nice, but TBQH for a beginner isn't going to give you much advantage over simply using the correct sized bit.

-Leezer-
 
leezer3 said:
Antec
Click to expand...

I think it's Antex, Antec are the computer case and PSU manufacturer.

I bough a soldering station from a highstreet electronics shop near Xmas for £30 (half price) and it's been really good, it has an LCD to adjust the temperature up and down which is important for more precision soldering. I think the cheap soldering stations with a single dial are probably less reliable. You probably want a basic soldering iron to start with, stay away from the coldheat and other similar products though.
 
I have both an 18W antex iron with usual flat edge bit and a bigger 30W super cheapie iron but with aftermarket bit (which is the important part!). Between them they get me by any job I've encountered.

30W is nice for power connectors or even many signal connectors, the 18W is for PCB/stripboard mainly. 30W can be used on a PCB, but needs a finer tip than most this size come with and you'll need to be quick not to overheat parts.
 
I've been through 3 in the last fortnight. Cheap crap that has given in. At the mo I have a draper 40w thing that oddly enough I paid 7 quid for at a local handyman shop. Still working!.
 
Cheers for replies guys, will avoid the china one then and look for a weller or antex.

What should I look for when buying flux and the actual wire? Any specifications they need to meet? What is the difference between normal and lead free?

Thanks,
 
Modern solders are flux cored, usually with a rosin based flux (generally regarded as the best flux, fumes are mildly irritant), no additional flux should be needed.

Leaded solder is easier to work with, especially if soldering large areas. It has a lower melting point and is harder to make "dull joints" with. I use lead free on stripboard sometimes (the type with silver in) but usually the 60/40 leaded stuff. Wash your hands after touching it naturally!
 
Lead free is usually what you get now. Doesnt flow quite as readily as the lead stuff did, but its better for you. Get flux cored solder, and get something like 1mm diameter. Easier and better for more precision soldering.
I use a flux pen myself when soldering things, just colour in the copper and it flows and bonds very quick and easy.
 
I have loads of soldering irons but the one I always pick up is my Draper 30W iron with adjustable tips. They can be had on ebay for about £7-10.

This will do whatever you require of it. Just change the tips for the type of work you're doing.

And do not be tempted by the guns. I had one and they just burn the solder and the PCB, far too powerful for basic work.
 
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