Soldering Irons which ones best?

[dabears]

Ok my soldering iron died this morning and before i head out to get a new one im curious to see what everyone else is using or finds better then another. Im looking to get a nice consistant iron that will perform right. There are many styles from the gun style, iron style, adjustable temp etc... Lets hear which ones you have used and which ones didnt work well. I want to buy one that can handle wires, brass, or anything im going to throw at it (sometimes literally)

[pigeonfarmboy]

40w minimum. Having an adjustable station is a luxury, but you can get the job done faster and with a better quality result. You near the Fry's Electronics up there? Think it's in Downers Grove? They have a great selection.

[dabears]

DG isnt too far from me i didnt even think about going there.... hmmm may have to take a trip there today I think i do want an adjustable station id rather go with a better one then i need now as in the future i may need those features and id rather already have a unit that can handle it..

is there a particular brand thats better then another? i liked the one you had PFB it warmed up quick and got the job done fast what brand is it?

[bigford]

weller soldering irons are the best in my book

[pigeonfarmboy]

Mine is a weller. I'd stick with them or Hakko.

[grumpygrady]

also think about a little pencil type butane gas torch , they are great for frames ,etc
about 3 bucks at HF
having one for wiring and another for heavier things is a must
and for real big heavy metal a cutting chisel and propane torch will make one just like they used back in the old time to solder tin and still do lol

[SmallHaul]

Weller.

[ihbuilder]

O & A with a #6 tip heat up a pointy piece of steel till it's a nice cherry red and go to town JK werks though

Weller

[Larry]

I love Hakko FX-888.

[dabears]

Originally Posted by bigford

weller soldering irons are the best in my book

hmm

Originally Posted by pigeonfarmboy

Mine is a weller. I'd stick with them or Hakko.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by grumpygrady

also think about a little pencil type butane gas torch , they are great for frames ,etc
about 3 bucks at HF
having one for wiring and another for heavier things is a must
and for real big heavy metal a cutting chisel and propane torch will make one just like they used back in the old time to solder tin and still do lol

i have a butane heat torch/soldering iron but im not happy about the consistancy of heat when doing 60 wires..

Originally Posted by SmallHaul

Weller.

Hmmm im going to have to look into a Weller it looks like..

Originally Posted by ihbuilder

O & A with a #6 tip heat up a pointy piece of steel till it's a nice cherry red and go to town JK werks though

Weller

I was thinking about that.. it prob would work however i have not tried it yet. how long does it stay hot enough haha.. no really how long?

Originally Posted by Larry

I love Hakko FX-888.

Ill have to look into that one too thanks!

sounds like people like the weller or Hakko so ill be looking into those! thanks guys!

[Joat]

I have a weller wlc100 works well for years and $35 cant beat the price, I also have the hakko 936 , that ones is also very good ,if your not doing alot of IC's work go with the weller wlc100

[dabears]

Mostly just doing LED wireing.. everynow and then brass to brass but usully use a torch for that

[Joat]

Originally Posted by dabears

Mostly just doing LED wireing.. everynow and then brass to brass but usully use a torch for that

I'd go with the weller wlc100, unless your doing smt leds, but even then you cant beat the price of the wlc100
I think when I got mine sears was the cheapest? it's been years, a quick check on ebay is $50 and amazon is $44, google say $39 and up.

[woodhog]

i have a hakko 936 , it has adjustable heat and in my oppinion is a nice soldering station

[dabears]

Lots of options!! lol Thanks for all the input guys! Its a tough choice.

[enginemiester]

I purchaced a team check point soldering station two years ago and have never had a problem, and heats up very quickly

[Joat]

Originally Posted by enginemiester

I purchaced a team check point soldering station two years ago and have never had a problem, and heats up very quickly

Rebadged hakko 936, I was thinking of getting the new hakko fx, looks nice