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Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Audacity on December 29, 2009, 03:18:19 PM

Title: Soldering iron
Post by: Audacity on December 29, 2009, 03:18:19 PM
hello all i just finshed reading this topic http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=9932.0 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=9932.0) and started to panic because im running out of time. so i want to buy a good soldering iron/ station with my 100$ credit my question is what do you look for in an soldering iron and is this good http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=84 (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=84)
or should i get the digital one thats 99.95$?
Title: Re: Soldering iron
Post by: madsci1016 on December 29, 2009, 04:39:51 PM
Not sure if the Sparkfun's are good are not, but.....

Experienced hobbyist and professionals will tell you Weller (http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/weller/ (http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/weller/)) is one of the best brands of irons. I have several at work, and my gf just bought me the digital station for my birthday and i love it. It takes ~45 seconds to come up to 700 deg and works very well.

EDIT: sorry, i just realized you are wanting to use the sparkfun deal, so i guess free beats everything else.
Title: Re: Soldering iron
Post by: SmAsH on December 29, 2009, 05:33:04 PM
Well, for free that soldering iron looks good, it would definitely get the job done for what you want to do.
Although its not a Weller, i don't believe they are that good...
Hell, I'm working off a $10 60w iron for all my smd stuff and I'm fine :D
Title: Re: Soldering iron
Post by: Audacity on December 29, 2009, 07:05:12 PM
ok thanks
Title: Re: Soldering iron
Post by: duste83 on February 06, 2010, 08:21:16 AM
I've used several different types of soldering stations and soldering pens like weller, edyson, radio shack and xytronics.  My personal favorate is the xytronics 136esd that i got from college.  the handle is small, i can get several different tips and replacement parts, it heats up quickly and evenly and it fits good in my hand.  The weller and the edyson had too big of soldering pen for my tast and the radio shack is plain junk.  I suggest finding one that is comfortable in your hand, has adjustable heat and you can get parts, tips and accessories for it.