Soldering Iron Recommendations

benmurray85

Just something reasonably budget friendly for putting together a few fuzz pedal kits. I have a cheap as chips B&Q one and I fear I've already done too much damage to the PCB traces.

McSwaggerty

No need to spend heaps, they all do the same job. Just get one with highest wattage. 

boogieman

McSwaggerty said:

No need to spend heaps, they all do the same job. Just get one with highest wattage. 

You don’t need a high wattage iron for doing circuit boards, it will cook the components. 25 watts is about right. I’d go for a Weller personally. 

rogd

+1 for Weller.

thermionic

I would go for one of the cheaper (£50-ish) temperature controlled irons and 2 or 3 different sized/shaped bits rather than a mains Antex or Weller. Being able to set a temperature is very useful if you use modern unleaded solder.

Roland

Moved to Making & Modding, where you will find similar threads such as this one: https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/210015/soldering-iron-recommendations

inewham

My two favourites are an Antex 50W temperature controlled job and another tiny 18W Antex
I used to work in electronics before IT so they've had a lot of use and are 30years old but still going strong and the same irons are still available.
You don't need high wattage or high heat, that will cook your components and lift PCB tracks but 'slim' is really useful

benmurray85

Roland said:

Moved to Making & Modding, where you will find similar threads such as this one: https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/210015/soldering-iron-recommendations

Ah my apologies! I did think “where should I post this” and then neglected to remember we had such a section. Sorry mod