ejstubbs Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 I'd be interested in hearing any recommendations folks have for temperature-controlled soldering irons. The missus is badgering me give her some clues as to what I'd like for Christmas and this is about the only thing that I can think of at the moment. However, I'd need to be able to point her at a suitable product, since she knows nothing about such things. Come to think, I don't know a whole lot about them myself, beyond the fact that they're a bit cleverer than ordinary soldering irons... If I can't come up with a suggestion for her soon it'll be nothing but socks, shirts and comical coffee mugs on Xmas morning (again!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffP Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 I have a Weller SD80. Bought if off ebay with a dozen spare tips worth nearly as much as the soldering station, for under £75. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium polybear Posted November 26, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 26, 2015 Make sure the temperature will go low enough for low melt solder for whitemetal kits - some don't.... HTH Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted November 26, 2015 Share Posted November 26, 2015 This model is excellent especially that it`s now £39.99.it will solder from white metal up to solder for brass kits in 0 gauge, I paid £59.99 for mine a year ago!! http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/60w-mains-lcd-solder-station-a55kj Ray. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trustytrev Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Hello, I have one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2in1-SMD-Hot-Air-Gun-Rework-Soldering-Iron-Station-Lead-Free-Welder-4-Nozzles-/310770402991?hash=item485b5c06af:g:HMMAAOSw0HVWCf77 After using cheap mains irons for years I found this made any soldering so much easier and quicker.Another positive is the ready availability of Hakko multi type solder tip packs at really low prices via ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.XHakko+tips.TRS0&_nkw=Hakko+tips&_sacat=0 trustytrev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatB Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 I bought a Hakko from DCC Concepts and very nice it is too for smaller work. I still need to break out the big 80W Weller for 7mm etched brass though. A larger tip on the Hakko would probably help quite a lot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 You can buy a set of Hakko tips on Ebay very cheaply. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1311.R8.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xhakko.TRS0&_nkw=hakko+soldering+tip&_sacat=0 I also have an Antex 100w for heavier 7mm work as well. Ray. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejstubbs Posted November 27, 2015 Author Share Posted November 27, 2015 Thanks all for the suggestions. The Maplin one looks like a strong contender since SWMBO can go and get it in person. One thing I find a little confusing: the manual talks about calibrating the temperature sensor. How do you measure the temperature of the tip? I have one of those infra-red thermometer "gun" things: would that do? Make sure the temperature will go low enough for low melt solder for whitemetal kits - some don't.... What should the lowest temperature be for this? Sorry for all the questions, I really am out of touch with this subject! IIRC my current non-temperature-controlled soldering iron dates back to the 1980s if not older. I think my reel of solder (which is now about to run out, finally) is still the old lead-based type... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Never had to do that with mine,the lowest of the three presets is ok for white metal & the highest is ok for Brass . I got the solder information from another poster, the solders i use are 188, 145 and 100 which is excellent for white metal.have a look at his post,very useful, http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?app=members&module=messaging§ion=view&do=showConversation&topicID=84005&st=0#msg356582 Happy soldering, Ray. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejstubbs Posted November 27, 2015 Author Share Posted November 27, 2015 Hmm, that link doesn't work for me. Never mind, though: judicious use of the search facility has highlighted a number of useful-looking threads on the general subject. Are there any significant differences between soldering up kits and soldering electrics eg dropper wires to track? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZiderHead Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Another satisfied Maplin 60W station user here Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium PaulCheffus Posted November 27, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 27, 2015 Hi I bought an Antex 690d last year when they were selling them for half price. Excellent soldering station and can be used for white metal including some very small 2mm scale parts. http://www.antex.co.uk/soldering/soldering-stations/690d/ Cheers Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Torper Posted November 28, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 28, 2015 Hakko irons are very good but do not seem to be readily available in the UK. There are a number of well-priced Hakko clones - for years I've used an Aoyue 937+ 40W soldering station and it has given excellent service - see http://www.pcb-soldering.co.uk/soldering-irons-atten-aoyue-station-tweezers.html. When/If it eventually goes I'll probably replace it with its 60W big brother, the 9378. DT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 I think they are readily available but they sell under many different brand names. Ray. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vitalspark Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 I have been using an Antex TCSUD2 50w iron for donkeys years now and its been great…bought in Maplins. It heats in seconds and has a digital readout of temp. Its also pencil slim and gets into small spaces but delivers a decent heat for brass if needed. The advantage of temp cotrolled irons is not just about controlling temp though..unlike normal irons the tips last for ages as they don't burn holes in same if left on for long periods. Best tool on the bench although I also wouldn't be without the London Rd resistance iron for detailing. Dave. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austrag Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 I too have an Antex 690D does everything I wish and quickly also. I have had many over the 50 years of using one and this is the best yet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RexAshton Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 I bought one of these when my Antex died. 75 watts, a good choice of spare bits and brilliant mail order service. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quarryscapes Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I would suggest avoiding the Antex TCS 50W,(e.g http://www.rapidonline.com/tools-equipment/antex-t48jj70-tcs-50w-temperature-controlled-iron-85-0550)mine was nothing short of terrible, was very slow to sense temperature drop at the bit and would consequently stick until it reheated. The screwdriver temperature adjustment packed up within days. I've now made it useful by removing the plastic outer screwdriver adjustment and setting the actual potentiometer inside to full temperature, so it's just a fixed 50W iron now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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