Good quality soldering iron?

[Beer-Matt]

Hi, can anyone recommend a good soldering iron? I saw one on a flite test video a while back but can't find the video again now. I would be after something with variable temperatures and capable of soldering the bigger stuff.

[Beer-Matt]

Solering station is the way to go.

[Jake Bullit]

Have a look at the Hakko 936,then find a clone like the Atten or Yihua.


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[DaveyLC]

I've got the maplin ZD - 916 and I love it, it's used very regularly and it's never missed a beat :)..

[Brucey]

Think I'm going to stick one off those on my Xmas list Dave. Does it come with different sizes tips?

[iPeel]

Think I'm going to stick one off those on my Xmas list Dave. Does it come with different sizes tips?

Maplin sell them as a multipack of different size tips, they're not much money.

[Loopdreams]

As another option I got one of these and it's pretty much all I use now, I simply can't be bothered with the mains one any more:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/solderpro-120-gas-soldering-iron-kit-35516

I once spent six years soldering prototype and production electronic stuff together so I know what makes a decent soldering iron and yeah there are ones that are a little better but to be honest there's not a lot in it, especially for the simple kinds of tasks generally needed for RC stuff.  And with a relatively cramped workspace I always just use this now as it takes up no room and it's usually easier to deal with things when you don't have wires trailing everywhere.  The only thing you need to be conscious of is not melting anything where the exhaust gas comes out.  It's not happened to me yet though and having it there is really handy for shrinking heat shrink over joined wires etc.

[Rowgerwulff]

The Weller WD1 (or variants) is really very good and will solder all the bigger stuff with ease. The tips last a long time and are readily available for very fine work up to heavy duty.

You can select temperature digitally from 200-500degC, and there are three memories for pre-programmed temps. I got mine on eBay.....They are expensive, but it's worth it for the complete lack of hassle/ night and day difference between what I was using before.

On eBay just now are.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Weller-WD2M-Dual-Soldering-Station-inc-WMRP-Pencil-WMRT-Tweezers-/321258582726?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item4acc80f2c6

and

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/weller-soldering-station-and-pencil-/151172598904?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item233296cc78

I think I paid about £120 + delivery for mine.

[electricmick]

I also have a Maplin 60w solder station for normal stuff but it won't touch 12swg cables so bought one of these http://www.antex.co.uk/soldering/high-power-irons/100-watt/. It bets blooming hot and melts everything in sight, awesome.

[Mudders]

I bought one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bga-220V-Rework-Station-898D-2-In-1-Hot-Air-Gun-Soldering-Iron-Soldering-Tip-/171177058988?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Supply_Material_Handling_ET&hash=item27daf2a2ac

And I love it! (well not LOVE but, you know, like it....)

Muds

[bs85]

I have one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-2in1-SMD-Hot-Air-Gun-Rework-Station-Lead-Free-Soldering-Iron-3-Nozzles-/310770370634?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item485b5b884a

[DaveyLC]

Think I'm going to stick one off those on my Xmas list Dave. Does it come with different sizes tips?

You won't regret it :) as iPeel says there are loads of different tips :) it comes with fine point tips and I've never needed anything else .