Beginner Soldering Iron Recommendation

dbeck · Post by **dbeck** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:53 pm

Hello,

I'm going to be getting a soldering iron and some cable and connectors to start my venture into the DIY world. I'll probably get a couple guitar pedal kits as well and then on to a preamp kit.

I tried the search feature but couldnt find much with it.

Can someone recommend me a good soldering iron to get started with? I've been told one with adjustable wattage is a good start but would one from Radio Shack be ok? I don't mind spending a little more for quality if it'll mean less headaches down the road.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **TapeOpLarry** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 2:29 pm

We have a couple of Weller WLC100's at Jackpot! Here's an amazing price, $39.95
http://store.cs-sales.net/welowcosoirs.html but I've never shopped there. I'd skip Radio Shack's crap and order online or visit an electronics shop in your area.

JWL · Post by **JWL** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:04 pm

+1 on the Weller WLC100. Great iron, fair price.

rwc · Post by **rwc** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:47 pm

Hakko 936 with the micro tips

dbeck · Post by **dbeck** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:04 am

Awesome! Even got a reply from the main man! Thanks peeps. Love the magazine.

CurtZHP · Post by **CurtZHP** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 10:48 am

I've had a Radio Shack iron for years and it works great. My only complaint about it is the tip. The tips for this particular iron just don't last very long. Over time, the tip wears down, often to an irregular shape that can actually get caught on leads, cleaning sponges, etc. Fortunately, the tips are cheap.

The Weller is a good iron if you don't mind spending a little more.

The Scum · Post by **The Scum** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:59 pm

I've got a Weller WCC 100 (the big brother to the WLC, differences being it's blue, and temperature-controlled). It's still going strong after close to 15 years.

As for tips, I think there's something to the one with better irons. I bought a spare when I got the iron, and never needed it. It's still as solid as the day it came from the factory.

idylldon · Post by **idylldon** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 5:41 pm

I use this Xytronic and it's been bulletproof:

http://store.guitarfetish.com/xyniprsost0w.html

Cheers,
--
Don

T-rex · Post by **T-rex** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 8:24 am

rwc wrote:Hakko 936 with the micro tips

If the weller is great for the money then that is cool, but the Hakko rules my world and runs about $75.

adadan · Post by **adadan** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:25 pm

I have a very fancy Weller MT1500 for surface mount work, but my first love is the Hakko mentioned above, which I still use all the time for through-hole and tube-type work.

A very similar option to Hakko is the "Blackjack Solderwerks" line at:

www.circuitspecialists.com

which AFAIK is rebranded Hakko with minor differences (actually I think Hakko and Blackjack are both rebrands from a Chinese manufacturer). I have the Blackjack desoldering station and it works well, and I can vouch that the differences from the Hakko desoldering station are largely cosmetic.

The basic Blackjack station that mimics my old plain vanilla $70 Hakko (no digital readout, etc.) is around $37, and plus, if you buy enough solder, wick, etc. (or the package deal with the fume extractor, which is another Blackjack item I own and like) to break $50, you get a pretty serviceable digital multimeter as a FREE GIFT with your order. In other words, for $52 plus shipping you can get a good soldering station, a fume extractor with electric fan & filter, and a fully featured "no name" DMM.

I now have two of these DMM's from different orders that have been very handy as "extra" meters for monitoring multiple voltages/currents at the same time (you do have to wait a few months between orders to qualify for another free gift).

Just another option. . .

Scott Greenberg · Post by **Scott Greenberg** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 6:47 pm

Yeah, the radio shack ones are OKAY. But the tips wear out really fast and you have to replace them. You're better off spending a couple extra bucks to get a weller.

FNM · Post by **FNM** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:46 am

I use the 40 watt radio shack one. I probably should get a nice Weller, but I use the one I have a lot and it's been working. The tips do get dirty really easy, just make sure you have a wet sponge on hand at all times.

Building an amp with it now.

dbeck · Post by **dbeck** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 4:13 pm

Thanks for all the input. I've gone with the Hakko 936 and have some other small tools along with it. However, with my first venture into soldering I have quickly realized I need some sort of 3rd hand clamp/vise tool. I'm working toward building a preamp kit so maybe something that can hold PCB boards as well. I found a Panavise board clamp but I'm not sure that would help out with just holding wires and stuff other than boards. It's a little pricey too.

Any recommendations?

Post by **TapeOpLarry** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 6:20 pm

Those "alligator clip" type third hand dealies are the best. $6.99 http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/D ... 9-/22-9730 You might try a clamp to hold it to the table too. For soldering connectors I'd recommend building a panel with all sots of females and male connectors on it, then you plug in the jack yer working on and use the third hand to hold wires in place. Real nice going that way...

L-ROX · Post by **L-ROX** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 3:57 pm

Love TapeOp mag and love this message board (registered today). I've seen a lot of people bashing the WLC 100 for more expensive soldering stations in other message boards, good to see a less "snobby" approach to soldering stations here! I've had mine for about 2 years and it's great for the price.

Wanted to chime in with regards to the temp control (as it doesn't properly tell you the wattage). I find that setting it between "2" and "3" is perfect for things like 22ga. wire (which is a common gauge when dealing with audio cables).

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Beginner Soldering Iron Recommendation

Beginner Soldering Iron Recommendation

3rd hand tool vise/clamp ?

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