Poll: Poll: Do you have a soldering iron?

Do you own, or have access to a soldering iron at home?

  • Yes

    Votes: 382 78.3%

  • No

    Votes: 106 21.7%
  • Total voters
    488
Got a nice temperature controlled iron. I used to think I was rubbish at soldering until my mate who does it for a living told me to stop using lead-free solder and get some proper solder. I did and it was a revelation. So much easier.
 
Yeah, I have one. I also have a set of irons that my Grandad left me that you need to stick in a furnace to heat up. Although, the lack of a furnace makes them pretty much useless at the moment.
 
Rilot said:
Got a nice temperature controlled iron. I used to think I was rubbish at soldering until my mate who does it for a living told me to stop using lead-free solder and get some proper solder. I did and it was a revelation. So much easier.
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Yup sadly lead free solder is incredibly naff - or atleast any I've tried - depending on job 60/40 or eutectic works so much better.
 
CTbXJVs.jpg

What I was using mine for this weekend - 5V USB power management system. Kind of inverse of a UPS - prefers input from a solar/battery source of power over mains source unless it drops below ideal voltage then seamlessly fails over to mains supply. (There is no mains voltage anywhere near this board its just switching logic between 2x 5V supplies).
 
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I use 1 at work several times a week.

I have 1 at home, buts it's been over a year since I used it. Was modding my Mega Drive and Snes. :)
 
I have 2 currently, a 25w draper one, which is a bit naff but does the job, and a little usb powered one, which I use for small fiddly stuff, I wouldn't say I am particularly proficient, but I know which is the dangerous end, and I've not completely fubar'ed anything yet.
 
Tom_ed1987 said:
Yes & I use it often, but have only ever had a basic cheapie; the sort you get in those soldering kits.
Can anyone recommend a semi decent one that will last, up to £30 or so?
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No idea what it is like but you can get a Maplin 48 watt temperature controlled one for £25 - I use the more expensive solder station version which has been good.

I used to recommend the Antex but they changed the bit recently and I don't find them that great.
 
mrk said:
I have two, a gas powered one which rocks arse, and an electric one.

I do know how to use them. You should fear for your life.
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Like the coyote?

I hate the smell of solder though. Was resoldering the wires for the dualshock3 rumble motors that came off. Crazy how thin those wires are and I've got the shakes.
 
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