Soldering / Electronics help required.

SidewinderINC · 30-05-2009, 21:18

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

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

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 · 30-05-2009, 21:20

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 · 30-05-2009, 21:46

Weller.

That is all.

Fayshun · 31-05-2009, 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feek

Weller.

That is all.

Get Paul Weller to do it?

mejinks · 30-05-2009, 23:33

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.

SidewinderINC · 31-05-2009, 15:29

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

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/...products_id=44 and the accessories I'll need (Stand, tips)

Nutcase · 31-05-2009, 20:11

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 · 31-05-2009, 20:18

Get the cheap one! [/nag]

SidewinderINC · 01-06-2009, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takhisis

Get the cheap one! [/nag]

Thank you Sam

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

Done and done!

Thanks for the advice all

Darrin · 31-05-2009, 21:37

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.

30-05-2009, 21:18	#1
SidewinderINC Joey Tempest Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gravesend. Posts: 2,751	Soldering / Electronics help required. I'm sure there must be a few electronic type people on here 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 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. __________________ No Sig.

30-05-2009, 21:20	#2
Fayshun Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Adrift in the Orca Posts: 6,845	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. __________________ We must move forward not backward, upwards not forward, and always twirling, twirling, twirling...

30-05-2009, 21:46	#3
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	Weller. That is all. __________________

31-05-2009, 15:29	#6
SidewinderINC Joey Tempest Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gravesend. Posts: 2,751	I've had a look at weller irons Feek, quite pricey for a station 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/...products_id=44 and the accessories I'll need (Stand, tips) __________________ No Sig.

31-05-2009, 20:18	#8
Tak L'Oréal Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 9,977	Get the cheap one! [/nag] __________________ The look on your face when a toddler rips out your heart and shows it to you? Priceless.... For everything else, there's FWOOSH!

31-05-2009, 20:11	#7
Nutcase Moonshine Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chelmsford, innit! Posts: 3,979	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.

31-05-2009, 21:37	#10
Darrin Dirteh Kitteh Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hiding out in Mormon Country Posts: 1,629	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. __________________ A bullet may have your name on it, but shrapnel is addressed "to whom it may concern".