Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Error on March 23, 2007, 11:31:29 AM

Title: Whats the best?
Post by: Error on March 23, 2007, 11:31:29 AM

What would the best soldering Iron be?

Title: Re: Whats the best?
Post by: JonHylands on March 23, 2007, 11:57:05 AM

Well, that depends entirely on how much money you want to spend.

The one I have is this:

http://www.action-electronics.com/wewes50.htm

That's a pretty good quality soldering iron for a hobbiest.

- Jon

Title: Re: Whats the best?
Post by: Steve Joblin on March 23, 2007, 07:44:21 PM

I did a lot of research on this about three years ago when I decided to get a good quality iron.  I asked a lot of people on a lot of boards and did extensive research.

The one clear fact I learned is that you want to buy your iron from Howard Electronics (http://www.howardelectronics.com/index.html (http://www.howardelectronics.com/index.html))  They have one of the best selections, excellent prices, and the most knowledgable staff!

I eventually went for Xytronic 137ESD, and have been more than pleased!  I had done a fair amount of soldering but wasn't the best at it... it turned out that it wasn't me, but the cheap tool I was using!  Now I solder like a pro!
 

Title: Re: Whats the best?
Post by: trigger on March 23, 2007, 08:47:14 PM

I'll echo Steve.  Right now I'm using a RadioShack fire starter.  It bites.  The irons I used in college were WAY better. 

Title: Re: Whats the best?
Post by: JesseWelling on March 23, 2007, 11:03:27 PM

I prefer digital soldering irons personaly....
this one seems like a good investment if you are going to be doing alot of soldering.
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=85

Title: Re: Whats the best?
Post by: Hal9000 on March 24, 2007, 07:34:55 AM

Quote from: JonHylands on March 23, 2007, 11:57:05 AM

Well, that depends entirely on how much money you want to spend.

The one I have is this:

http://www.action-electronics.com/wewes50.htm

That's a pretty good quality soldering iron for a hobbiest.

- Jon

Yeah, these are the ones we use in project work. Very nice.

Title: Re: Whats the best?
Post by: Error on March 26, 2007, 11:34:46 AM

Thanks, i needed a good soldering iron that could work well and save a little space.

Title: Re: Whats the best?
Post by: sotu on April 05, 2007, 07:01:22 AM

Built in wood or plastic if ure not building a battlebot