Soldering Iron - recommendations?

[turbostang]

I am getting ready to put a new MegasquirtIII system together for my car and need to get a pretty decent soldering iron.

Up until now, I've used the standard plug in type with the screw in tip. The tip for it is pretty blunt and has about a .050" flat on the end. For the electronics I'll be doing, it's tough to use it without a complete point.

FWIW, I can't really sharpen it (I don't think).. if you do that, the solder would stick to it, no?

Any suggestions on a decent soldering iron?

[jtm98snake]

I like the soldering stations where you can control the heat output. I have a WES51 from Weller. It's runs @ $120 or so depending on where you get it. If you need to borrow it let me know.

[S_K]

Weller make decent irons at a modest price. FYI you can and should sharpen your tip when neccessary. Also tips are extremely cheap and should be replaced when you can't sharpen them any more..

It is a good idea to keep a piece of wet sponge or wet paper towel handy when soldering. Wipe your tip clean regularly.

[turbostang]

I like the soldering stations where you can control the heat output. I have a WES51 from Weller. It's runs @ $120 or so depending on where you get it. If you need to borrow it let me know.

For the amount of this stuff I'm doing now days, I'll just buy one - I appreciate the offer though. I'm gonna look that one up though!

Weller make decent irons at a modest price. FYI you can and should sharpen your tip when neccessary. Also tips are extremely cheap and should be replaced when you can't sharpen them any more..

I was under the impression that if you sharpened the tips the chrome would come off (obviously) and that the solder stuck to it?

Shit, if I can sharpen them - I'll put them in the lathe and make 'em REAL sharp!

[shumpertdavid]

you should be able to sharpen it, then just flow some solder on the tip when done to to re-tin it. I usually use a fine steel or brass brush to wipe excess solder or clean the tip from time to time.

[S_K]

The coating is usually bright electorplated solder. Just looks like chrome.

[Rotortrash]

For what you're doing, a solder station wold be the best bet. I use a propane powered one with changeable tips that works great.

I regularly clean and sharpen my tips, and they work great when you tin it again. Keep a wet sponge next to where you're working to keep it clean.

[onjacks]

Get a blue point/snapon.

[ramairracer]

this one owns all other handhelds gets hot quick and has a small light, its a weller with a craftsman sticker over it. mines over 4 yrs old and use it everyday at the dealership

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00927320000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

[BMCSean]

Fry's has a good selection, at least the one at olympus and 635 does. They also sell the replacement tips if you want to go that way. Last time I was there they had some pretty sharp pointed ones.

[RuStYpNuS]

This


or this is the one i use and 15 bucks works great


both at the home depot

[onjacks]

^ thats just like the snap-on one. I used to use it daily at cartoys.

Doubles as a torch.

[Chambers]

For doing electronics work you don't want to use a 400 watt iron. What you need is a nice soldering station. The Weller mentioned is a good one.

Some alternatives:
(Digital Temp Control, 99.95):

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/85

(Analog, 79.95):

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/84

[Dan03mach]

Soldering stations work great if you are working on a bench but for something more Mobile I like gas soldering irons like the Master Ultratorches, Mac tools also makes a great one too. I have 2 Master Ultratorchs that are about 13 years old and still work. I like the gas Soldering Irons the best unless I'm doing straight bench work. They get very hot and can solder thick gauge wire with no problems. Here is one of the Master Ultratorches I have.

http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Master%20Appliance/MTR467-UT-100SI.html

[turbostang]

Thanks for the info guys.. FWIW, this work is bench work and all small stuff. I am assembling a megasquirt board for my car.