frudoc
Apprentice Shielder
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
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Post by frudoc on Apr 12, 2011 12:12:30 GMT -5
Well, since I have a Multimeter Recommendations thread going, I figured I would throw all caution to the wind and ask for soldering iron recommendations too. I am totally new to all of this stuff. I want something that will easily tackle various guitar related soldering, possibly including effects and amp work should it come to that. I want to be able to develop my skills and try a variety of things.
So, any recommendations are appreciated, as well as direct links to recommended products. I am not looking to get the cheapest thing; I want something that I will not likely have to replace. But I am not interested in spending money on fancy - unnecessary - bells and whistles.
Thanks!
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Post by sbgodofmetal on Apr 12, 2011 13:27:37 GMT -5
try a 10-25 watt pen style solder iron, a good one can be purchased at radio shack w/solder spool for around $5-$10. but your best bet is there starter kit it has the pen style iron a spool of solder wire the iron rest for setting your iron down to do other things while working, a sponge for cleaning the tip and 1 or 2 different tips for different solder applications and a few other things i cant remember rignt now but you'll need everything in it at one point or another their price $20-$29
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Post by sbgodofmetal on Apr 12, 2011 13:51:54 GMT -5
i'd also recommend the helping hands, its a work platform with several metal flex arms with different attachments for each arm. 2-4 arms have gator clips for holding your work while you solder. another arm has an LED for illuminating your work area, and one with a magnifying glass to better see your work. some models include a flex arm with a solder pen holder for safely storing your hot iron to adjust/add/or remove parts of your work. radio shack charges too much for theres so check around there $5-$35
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Post by JFrankParnell on Apr 12, 2011 15:49:33 GMT -5
Until yesterday, I was pretty happy with this gas powered iron: milo.com/mini-butane-gas-powered-ironI think I left it running till the gas ran out and now it wont get very hot anymore (duh, yes I put more gas in). Before that, it was cool...wull, like "Fonzi cool". I got it at radioshack, but cant find it on their site. Also, I really love this stuff: www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062721 You just dunk your hot iron in there periodically.
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Post by sbgodofmetal on Apr 12, 2011 18:57:59 GMT -5
wow i gotta look into that cleaning stuff, jfrank try using the relodable version that uses those cheap off brand bic lighters when it runs out just drop it out and reload. sorry i dont have a pic though
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Post by ashcatlt on Apr 12, 2011 21:19:04 GMT -5
An important thing to consider is that you will eventually burn through the tip of whatever iron you end up getting. If you want to be able to use the iron after that, it's important to find one for which replacement tips are and will be available. I've got an iron which came from RadioShaft a few years back. I didn't bother to buy spare tips at that time. They don't sell that model or its tips anymore.
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Post by sbgodofmetal on Apr 12, 2011 22:58:37 GMT -5
and thats why its best to stick with the good old standards that have so many knock offs and replacement parts dirt cheap
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Post by sbgodofmetal on Apr 12, 2011 23:07:50 GMT -5
also i'd recommend avoiding those cold heat solder guns they aren't worth the $20 price tag i got 1 a few years back and it wouldn't heat the solder the light indicated a connection so i went back and exchanged it. the new one got hot and started throwing sparks from the tip but wouldn't melt the solder i tried bearing down(i know, i know) and the tip arked really bright and shattered. i replaced the tip and still no solder melt just a bunch of sparking (& yes i tried changing batteries several times)
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frudoc
Apprentice Shielder
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
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Post by frudoc on Apr 13, 2011 0:44:20 GMT -5
I definitely want something with abundant replacement parts. I'd like to have this thing indefinitely; maybe I should invest in a Weller or Hakko (or a clone) in order to assure myself of parts availability down the line.
I picked up an Extech multimeter set with some extra items down at radioshack today. It's seems to be a good value and should do more than enough for my guitar work and also allow me to do some things around the house. I looked at their irons and nothing made an impression. I also noted that at my store, they only had pencil tips and I was interested in getting a 1/8" or similar too. They might have them online, but if I am going to buy from Radioshack, I want to do it because they are local. Once I decide to buy online, my selection skyrockets. Our store is not huge, so that might explain the lack of inventory.
Anyways, thanks for the thoughts guys. If anyone has any other specific iron recommendations, please let me know!
Thanks!
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Post by Yew on Apr 13, 2011 5:31:17 GMT -5
I just picked up somthing from my local maplin. a stand and a bit of solder, sorted for me
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