Solder Iron Recommendation

[texstrat]

Besides the Weller WLC100 solder station, are there any other recommendations for solder stations? The reason I am asking is because I am attempting my first stomp box with a 30 watt solder iron with a small tip and I suspect that I am getting cold solder joints besides a myriad of other things.

Thanks.

[phector2004]

I've heard the orange Wellers are crap... What iron are you using now?

If its a half-decent iron, you should be more concerned about your technique. I just got a soldering station, but still manage to mess up the occasional connection. Sure, its easier to use than my 25W Radio Shack iron, but quick heating and quality tips won't prevent you from moving the component as it cools 

[Philippe]

...its easier to use than my 25W Radio Shack iron, but quick heating and quality tips won't prevent you from moving the component as it cools  

Speaking of RS soldering irons, it's amazing (as well as totally irritating) how quickly their small pencil-point solder tips wear...you're lucky to get one TS-sized PCB completed before the tip disintegrates into total & utter uselessness.

Must be that cheap Taiwanese metalurgy.

[texstrat]

I've heard the orange Wellers are crap... What iron are you using now?

If its a half-decent iron, you should be more concerned about your technique. I just got a soldering station, but still manage to mess up the occasional connection. Sure, its easier to use than my 25W Radio Shack iron, but quick heating and quality tips won't prevent you from moving the component as it cools 

I have a Weller 25 watt that I need a new smaller tip to work on the smaller boards. I am using a soldering iron that was shipped to me with an order from Parts Express.

[smallbearelec]

Hi--

Here is my shopping guide to tools generally:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/Tools/Tools.htm

It includes recommendations for soldering tools generally and some that I stock.

Regards
SD

[mung]

I bought one of the Radio Shack digital soldering stations... I believe it was around $70-$80 and is a re-branded Madell.  It's the grayish one they sell.  I've done about 7 pedals with it and modded a few with absolutely no problems at all.  I'm still using the original tip that came with it and will probably get a few more pedals done before the tip needs to be replaced.  I know RS gets a bad rap sometimes but this iron is definitely worth what I paid for it.  Hope that helps.   

[twabelljr]

I use a Weller WESD-51 that I have had for quite a few years now. The tips last a long time as long as they are wiped clean and kept tinned. (I haven't replaced one yet) The iron is a very thin and light pencil style with a hard foam gripping area. The temp. setting is digital and can be locked in to minimize fluctuation. I paid a little over a hundred dollars but I have never had a problem with it and replacement tips of all shapes and sizes are available. Shop around, you can find them on sale. Here is where I got mine: http://www.all-spec.com/products/Soldering_and_Rework%7CSoldering.Rework_Equipment%7CSOL-10/WESD51.html?gclid=CLuG0ImpmqYCFYnc4Aod_BeTmw

[zeeman]

I've heard the orange Wellers are crap...

That sounds like the Weller WLC100 (see pic below)



I have had mine for around 14/15 years. Back then, there were not too many options (at least where I lived) when it came to a decent and affordable (I was a college student at the time) soldering iron.

I still use mine and I don't have any issues with it.

zeeman

[John Lyons]

+1
I used my Weller WLC100 and it still works (never had a problem with it) although I have
switched to a Xytronics (Hako knockoff) because it warms up in about 20 seconds
and is a better overall station. I just bought a Hako on craigs list for $30, nearly new.

[MmmPedals]

I use this http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=15860+TL
Just make sure to get the tip you like from them because there is nowhere else to get it. Still on my first tip after many many months. I use the chisel tip and not the pencil that it comes with.

[G. Hoffman]

I've got a WESD-51 at home, and a WES-51 at the shop, and they are great.  However, most of the people in my shop use the WLC-100, and they are all quite happy with them.  They get used a lot, and as long as you don't leave them on for long periods when you are not using them they are quite reliable.

The big difference is that the WES's are "constant" temperature units that will boost the power while you solder (to maintain a temperature).  Well, it will boost the power any time the tip cools off, which could be while soldering or while cleaning the tip on a sponge.  The WLC is a constant power unit, so the tip temperature will drop every time you solder a joint, or clean the tip, or whatever.  The constant temperature system does make soldering easier, so I'm pretty sold on it.  On the other hand, the extra cost is considerable, and you can do a perfecdtly acceptable job with a WLC-100 too.


Gabriel

[twabelljr]

They get used a lot, and as long as you don't leave them on for long periods when you are not using them they are quite reliable.

Quite reliable still because as long as you have the tip tinned they have this feature:  Automatic shut-off features turns off the station after 99 minutes of inactivity to prolong tip, iron, and station life.

The big difference is that the WES's are "constant" temperature units that will boost the power while you solder (to maintain a temperature).  

Another great feature: (stable within ±10°F)
Specs and pictures here: http://www.all-spec.com/downloads/weller/WESD51_012610s.pdf
If you plan to use it for a long time to come, I think it is worth the investment

[bwanasonic]

At this point maybe it doesn't make sense to pay double what you'd pay for the WLC100 for the luxury of the WES-51, and maybe a few years without a temp controlled station builds character or something. Or maybe it's like hitting yourself over the head with a hammer, and MAN does it feel good when you stop. Whatever you do, don't for a second consider those self-destructing Rat Shack models except as maybe a gag gift or one-off torture implement. The torture of course being trying to actually finish a project with one.

Either Weller model would be money well spent. Looking back, I wished I'd plunked down $100 for a decent iron years before I finally did, but I certainly remember when $45 seemed a lot of money for a soldering iron.

K

[texstrat]

I am paying for it now because of poor solder technique and tool with my first project. I think I will invest in one of the Weller WLC100 and work on perfecting my soldering skills.

Thanks to everyone for their perspectives on the soldering tools.

[kvandekrol]

http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

I used to use an orange 15W Weller, and thought I was just bad at soldering because my work did not look very clean when I was done with it, but I picked up this station and it made ALL the difference. It's actually on (legitimate) sale right now, I bought mine for $40. They also have one with a digital display here, which is also on sale but not quite as deep of a discount. I haven't found the analog display to have any shortcomings that made me wish I got the digital.

[12Bass]

Hakko 936 works well.  Supposed to be a newer model out there now.....

[Johan]

I've been using a Weller WTCP for as long as I can remember(20 + years). its a simple "magnastat" unit were the temperature is set by an alloy in the tip. if anyone is having problems with their solderings, it is down to being at the RIGHT temperature for your solder of choice and some experience, not the "iron" itself.
on a Weller magnastat, with 40/60 solder use a #7 tip (~370C) if you usel lead free, change to apropriate temperature tip.( #8 tip is ~425C )

J

[ampman50]

I'm using a 25 watt Weller that I bought 45 years ago. Built five amps and about 30 pedals with it. Works just fine.