Soldering Iron

[Albannach]

I've decided that one of the reasons I'm crap at soldering is that my Iron is crap.

Can anyone recommend a good either combination of Irons or a good all-round Iron? I don't have a budget yet, I'll see what you come up with.

[Apache]

What's it going to be used for?

For electronics and more delicate work, the Weller ones with external temperature control are good. I've had one for probably 15 years and its been 100% reliable too.

[Albannach]

I think I maybe need 3.

One for electronics, one for soldering electrics on the truck and the likes and a precision blow torch for my wee steam engines.

[slobodan]

My soldering is also crap. I invested in one of them big clamp to the workbench magnifying glasses, and it improved slightly.

[da SLUG man]

what have you filled with eels?... is it some kind of anti baldness spell??

[Predictable Bob]

I'd go with the Weller too, for vehicle electrics I used to use a small gas powered one which was excellent.

The most important thing to remember when soldering is that everything must be clean and free from oxidation to get a good joint - that's components, wires, soldering bit AND the solder !

[goodcat]

My soldering is also crap. I invested in one of them big clamp to the workbench magnifying glasses, and it improved slightly.

[Calos]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4063

I trained on these whilst working for a local T.V repair firm, 25 years ago. And they still work: they are constant in performance, whether that's repairing broken pcb tracks or replacing components or making leads.
They work.

If you can't solder it with one of these, pass it to me. And I will.

peace
cal

[Albannach]

what have you filled with eels?... is it some kind of anti baldness spell??

My Hovercraft. I'm just naturally un-bald...

[Predictable Bob]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4063

I trained on these whilst working for a local T.V repair firm, 25 years ago. And they still work: they are constant in performance, whether that's repairing broken pcb tracks or replacing components or making leads.
They work.

If you can't solder it with one of these, pass it to me. And I will.

peace
cal

I was given one of those on a PC maintainance course about 15 years ago ! Nowhere near as good as a Weller though ....

[Predictable Bob]

My Hovercraft. I'm just naturally un-bald...

My nipples explode with delight!

[Calos]

I was given one of those on a PC maintainance course about 15 years ago ! Nowhere near as good as a Weller though ....

Wellar have it when it comes to Gas portables I conceed.

peace
cal

[Albannach]

My nipples explode with delight!

Thank god I didn't see that!

[blackpoolsparks]

I've decided that one of the reasons I'm crap at soldering is that my Iron is crap.

Can anyone recommend a good either combination of Irons or a good all-round Iron? I don't have a budget yet, I'll see what you come up with.

you know what they say.....
a poor workman always blames his tools.

Just kidding, I'm sure you are crap

[Predictable Bob]

I will not buy this tobacconist's; it is scratched