Which Soldering Iron?

ellangus

Looking to buy a new iron as my old.

I've used an Antex 25w in the past but Just wondering whether to go up in power to a Weller 40w or to stick with 25w

It needs to be an all rounder for the usual things guitar related.

Any suggestions welcome

Ta all.

Philtre

I used an Antex 18w for years, and recently got into pedal building. After a lot of research I got a Hakko FX-888d and my soldering is way better. With the programmable temperature control I don't need high or low wattage.

streethawk

I also use and recommend the Japanese made Hakko. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAKKO-FX-888D-Genuine-UK-PLUG/222895539404?hash=item33e59c04cc:g:lXUAAOSwtTVZjaGo

Lots of fakes about, this seller is 100% genuine. The model up from the 888d is better but this is the sweet spot, price/performance wise. 

If you don't already, I recommend using one of these instead of the damp sponge method, helps avoid tip corrosion.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DroneAcc-Soldering-Cleaner-Solder-Cleaning/dp/B078W83G55/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1523870145&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=soldering+tip+cleaner&psc=1

Weller seem to have lost some of their former reputation by offering too many cheaper models, and their dearer stuff isn't noticeably better than the 888d. 

Philtre

As @streethawk says, there are fakes about - see this:

sixstringsupplies

+1 for the hakko 888d 

ellangus

Thanks guys but as much as I'd like the Hakko, it's way over my budget. I can't justify spending that kind of money for the amount I do. That's why I'm looking at the £20 - £30 range.

Good call on the cleaner though @streethawk

Philtre

In that case stick with the Antex.

ellangus

Wattage?

Gagaryn

ellangus said:

Thanks guys but as much as I'd like the Hakko, it's way over my budget. I can't justify spending that kind of money for the amount I do. That's why I'm looking at the £20 - £30 range.

Good call on the cleaner though @streethawk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KBPN1ZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use one - for the price you won't get better.

streethawk

Gagaryn said:

ellangus said:

Thanks guys but as much as I'd like the Hakko, it's way over my budget. I can't justify spending that kind of money for the amount I do. That's why I'm looking at the £20 - £30 range.

Good call on the cleaner though @streethawk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KBPN1ZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use one - for the price you won't get better.

Very nearly bought something similar but every time I looked, there was a slightly better spec Chinese made one for more money. 50, 100, 200! 

For under 30 quid though, we surely have a winner. 

Gagaryn

streethawk said:

Gagaryn said:

ellangus said:

Thanks guys but as much as I'd like the Hakko, it's way over my budget. I can't justify spending that kind of money for the amount I do. That's why I'm looking at the £20 - £30 range.

Good call on the cleaner though @streethawk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KBPN1ZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use one - for the price you won't get better.

Very nearly bought something similar but every time I looked, there was a slightly better spec Chinese made one for more money. 50, 100, 200! 

For under 30 quid though, we surely have a winner. 

It's not without faults - assuming you have another iron it's wise to beef up the connection between the iron socket and the board as ironically the soldering from the factory is pretty shoddy and it can flex leading to it cutting out. I did the work when I got mine and it has worked flawlessly since, heats up in seconds ad the temperature control is actually accurate. And it's less than £30 - what's not to like.

normula1

Maplin are flogging some irons off cheap

ellangus

Thanks all, much appreciated.

aord43

normula1 said:

Maplin are flogging some irons off cheap

Well, "cheap" for Maplin