Can anyone recommend a soldering iron?

Discussion in 'DIY Discussion' started by Hodgesaargh, Apr 27, 2004.

  1. Hodgesaargh

    Hodgesaargh

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    Want to teach myself to solder, so gonna go to Maplin and see if they have any kits with some components I can solder into a board. What type soldering iron is best?
     
    Hodgesaargh, Apr 27, 2004
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  2. Hodgesaargh

    themadhippy seen it done it smokin it

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    id go for either the antex sk5 or sk6 kits ,soldeing iron,stand ,instructions and cleaning sponge all for £20 ,the sk5 has an 18w iron,my favourite for most things, and the sk6 has a 25w iron . i personally wouldnt bother with the cheaper irons,false econamy and all that
     
    themadhippy, Apr 27, 2004
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  3. Hodgesaargh

    TonyL Club Krautrock Plinque

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    I've got a Antex variable temp iron, I think its called a TCS, but the letters have worn off the handle (I've had it years). Its a great iron as you can change the bit too, so with a fat bit and the temp up full (40watts I think) it is great for soldering thick speaker cable, and with a thin bit and the temp set lower its great for circuit boards etc. It didn't cost much more than a standard iron, yet is way more versitile.

    Tony.
     
    TonyL, Apr 27, 2004
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  4. Hodgesaargh

    Hodgesaargh

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    Thanks guys!
     
    Hodgesaargh, Apr 27, 2004
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  5. Hodgesaargh

    Lt Cdr Data om

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    Antex AFAIK are the best, I have 2 shit cheap ones, and they are really bad.
     
    Lt Cdr Data, Apr 28, 2004
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  6. Hodgesaargh

    BlueMax

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    This website has a lot of info that will help with soldering
    http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/g_knott/elect3.htm

    Maplin got a good little book on soldering.
    Oh! Don't forget to get a 'solder sucker' while you are at Maplins.
    Worth every penny.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 12, 2004
    BlueMax, May 12, 2004
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  7. Hodgesaargh

    Lt Cdr Data om

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    I have just bought myself an antex xs25, and some good multicore solder from maplin and farnell, along with some cables to make.:)
     
    Lt Cdr Data, May 12, 2004
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  8. Hodgesaargh

    michaelab desafinado

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    I got one of these when Maplins were doing a deal on them for £9.99. It's way better than the 18W Antex I had before. Easily interchangable tips aswell - can even do it when the iron is hot (you have to use a pair of pliers obviously unless you have asbestos fingers :D ).

    Michael.
     
    michaelab, May 13, 2004
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  9. Hodgesaargh

    BlueMax

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    I got my Remploy 30 Watt soldering iron for FREE from my Dad. :)
    It must be over 35 years old but works as good as new.
    It even has a built-in spot light to illuminate the area being soldered. Must be a SUPER DELUXE model.
    :D
     
    BlueMax, May 13, 2004
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  10. Hodgesaargh

    fatmarley

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    This is a good, cheap temp controlled soldering station, they normally go for around £40 on ebay. Weller bits fit them too IIRC.

    ebay
     
    fatmarley, May 24, 2004
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  11. Hodgesaargh

    Lt Cdr Data om

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    I had one of those, Michael, hated it, worked fine at first.

    Got rid of it and got a 25w antex with some nice multicore solder, never looked back.
     
    Lt Cdr Data, May 27, 2004
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  12. Hodgesaargh

    London Lad

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    Metcal. Nothing comes near!
     
    London Lad, May 30, 2004
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