Soldering / Electronics help required.

[SidewinderINC]

I'm sure there must be a few electronic type people on here :p

I've finally broken my cheap soldering iron, it doesn't heat up at all anymore.

However this is most definitely a good thing as I can now justify buying a new one, that doesn't kill 50% of the components that it touches :p

Trouble is I have no idea what type I need for the jobs I do; Guitar electronics.

Soldering potentiometers / mini lever switches and pickups.

I'm putting an order into maplin in the next few days as I'm wiring a speaker cabinet.

So can anyone suggest to me a soldering iron that maplin sell, that will be ideal for me?

Cheers.

[Fayshun]

Loms dad got a solder station off of Maplins last year. It's a variable temperature controlled one and iirc it was on special offer at about 20 quid. It's just about permanently on offer though.

EDIT - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35016 It's that one I think.

[Feek]

Weller.

That is all.

[mejinks]

For much cheapness, I bought a gas powered one which goes from 30 - 70w, which is perfect for me.

As Feek says though, for a proper tool, Weller all the way.

[Fayshun]

Weller.

That is all.
Get Paul Weller to do it?

[SidewinderINC]

I've had a look at weller irons Feek, quite pricey for a station :p

Would it be better to buy the station that Faysh linked above, or a simple weller iron such as this: http://www.brewstersbatteries.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_30_33&products_id=44 and the accessories I'll need (Stand, tips)

[Nutcase]

My vote also goes for Weller.

(used to work for a company that produced selective soldering equipment :))

If you can't afford a station (they're great, but if you only want for occasional use then a bit overkill) then go for a decent standalone one with a selection of tips.

[Tak]

Get the cheap one! [/nag] :p

[Darrin]

As a former military electronics technician I can honestly say Weller is your only choice. You don't really need a gun, a pencil works for most all electronics applications. It's only when you start getting into the realm of "the pencil isn't strong enough and a propane torch is a little much" that a gun comes into play.

I use a selectable 15W/25W pencil that only cost me around $20 that came with several tips, stand, sponge, rosin core solder and a cooling cap (very handy). I can't for the life of me remember where I got it, but I've used it for several years on everything from dislodged wires on a PC motherboard to splicing automotive power wires.

[Kainz]

Weller as everyone said. I've been buying them at work for our production lines for the past year - WD2 stations combined with FE75 irons. They're reliable as hell, expensive yes but they're the best.

[SidewinderINC]

Get the cheap one! [/nag] :p

Thank you Sam :D:D

Infact this time, the cheaper option is the Weller one !!!

Done and done!



Thanks for the advice all :)