Soldering iron vs station

[SkidMarkKing]

Hi,

i'm looking at getting my first soldering iron/station. I'm not sure if to spend a little extra and just go for the station with a heat gun instead?

I do computer repairs but haven't really got into soldering so it's something that would potentially be used to expand my business services as well (hence just getting a station from the start).

Thanks

 

[SkidMarkKing]

Different purposes for heat gun vs iron.

The DIY audio folks all swear by Weller etc. there’s a lot of cheaper stations that will die after a short while. The main thing is being able to get replacement tips etc and temperature control is very useful for getting a decent flow without the solder overheating and simply becoming bobble.

the selection of wattage is also dependant on what you’re soldering - large thick tracks for high current for example end up sucking heat out quicker. SMD that would be a heat gun but you’re into paste etc which I don’t consider a beginner thing..

If you’re repairing stuff then a desoder station is just as useful - a good weller desolder gun station then means less track damage etc.

I use MG chemicals SAC305 4900 solder - lead free and low in dodgy chemicals, it’s also got a small amount of silver for audio work with silver plated connectors. Flows nicely but it gets to hot it will flow fast causing it to bobble. Not a real problem in use.

I just use a simple Antex 25W iron because the tip is small and close to the fingers compared to some of the big irons. Antex as a brand has been going for decades. Tips are easy to get. Cleaning the tip often keeps the solder joint clean and lowers the temp.

Wouldn't the heat gun be used for removing mosfets on motherboards though?