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looking for a soldering iron ($50-100) — Parallax Forums

looking for a soldering iron ($50-100)

evergreenevergreen Posts: 43
edited 2006-07-13 01:10 in General Discussion
Hey guys,

I've been using those cheap $10 irons, and was wondering if the more expensive ones were actually worth it. I saw a few at Fry's Electronics Store, and noticed the higher end irons had temperature control. How essential is this feature? At the moment, I only solder DIP.

Thanks
Matt

Comments

  • Lee HarkerLee Harker Posts: 104
    edited 2006-07-12 18:16
    Matt,
    In my opinion temp. control is a very good idea. Another feature that you should consider is an iron with different size tips. A good soldering station can be used for anything from surface mount devices up to transformer terminals. Picking the right temperature setting for your iron can save you a lot of tips also.

    Lee
  • Kevin WoodKevin Wood Posts: 1,266
    edited 2006-07-12 19:20
    Yeah, they're worth it. Get a good bench model, you'll appreciate the difference.

    Here is one source that you can check out:

    www.techni-tool.com
  • DunnseptDunnsept Posts: 115
    edited 2006-07-12 19:33
    I bought my Xytronic at Howard (http://www.howardelectronics.com/) they have used stuff once in a while and you can get great deals. They also have free trials and a 60 day guarantee.
    They also were very knowledgeable when I've talked to them on the phone. Not that I'm pushing them, just happened to have really good luck there for my purchases.

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    stand back! I have a slide rule and I know how to use it!
  • PJAllenPJAllen Banned Posts: 5,065
    edited 2006-07-12 20:06
    · The Weller WTCPT is my preferred, it's a solder station.· They offer a large number of tip styles which also make for different temperatures (6's, 7's, 8's for 600, 700, 800 F.)· They're super easy to change out.

    · If that's a bit much, I recommend the Weller WP25 (< $50).· I've had mine for >10yrs and have never had to change the tip.

    ··It's important·that you·never solder without a damp sponge at the ready, keep your tip tinned from the start, and also buy a tip conditioner to clean it up from time to time.· [noparse][[/noparse]Unless you like buying and changing tips -- and making crummy solder joints.· Mmmm, cold solder; my favorite, ooooo!]
  • John R.John R. Posts: 1,376
    edited 2006-07-12 21:28
    I also just purchased a unit from Howard, the Xytronic LF-1000 at $179. More than your after, but I mention it because as long as you invest in two sets of tips, you can use it for both "leaded" and "lead free" solder. The Lead Free solder requires higher temperatures, and it will be a fact of life within the lifetime of whatever unit you purchase. There are probably other lower priced units that will fill this need as well. I exchanged e-mails with them, and found them helpful and fast.

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    John R.

    8 + 8 = 10
  • Nick WaldvogelNick Waldvogel Posts: 71
    edited 2006-07-12 23:48
    John R, do you have a e-mail addy for Howard? Thanks! hop.gif

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    I'm just 10 people short of a threesome!!
  • John R.John R. Posts: 1,376
    edited 2006-07-13 00:18
    I initiated my contact via the online "Contact Us" form, but the address that responded was:

    [url=mailto:shane [shane@howardelectronics.com]]mailto:shane [noparse][[/noparse]shane@howardelectronics.com][/url]

    I have also send mail directly to that address.



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    John R.

    8 + 8 = 10
  • Nick WaldvogelNick Waldvogel Posts: 71
    edited 2006-07-13 00:22
    John R. said...
    I initiated my contact via the online "Contact Us" form, but the address that responded was:

    [url=mailto:shane [shane@howardelectronics.com]]mailto:shane [noparse][[/noparse]shane@howardelectronics.com][/url]

    I have also send mail directly to that address.


    lol! Sorry, I ment to say there·web site instead of "e-mail"....·lol.gif···I was able to figure out there·sites addy however.··Just in case someone·is looking for it. http://www.howardelectronics.com

    Thanks!

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    I'm just 10 people short of a threesome!!
  • sam_sam_samsam_sam_sam Posts: 2,286
    edited 2006-07-13 01:10
    Evergreen

    I also bought my· Xytronic from Howard and the Contact Person was Shane he·is a very help full person
    I like Soldering Station that i have the 137 EDS Model
    And also bought the Solder Holder for the One Pound· Roll that is best thing that i have seen yet··· idea.gif

    [url=mailto:shane]mailto:shane[/url] [noparse][[/noparse]shane@howardelectronics.com]

    Sam







    ·······················jumpin.gif·········They are having to much·FUN··········hop.gif
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