what is your favorite soldering station?

[Jesse J]

I am tired of the cheapo RadioShack soldering pens and want to know what you guys think is best deal. Not looking to spend more than $100, less is more.

[Diegoboy]

I use a Tenma 21-147A (no longer made)
It's the predecessor to this one.


Mine is exactly like the one on the left.

[Jesse J]

Cool, thanks Danny.

What solder do you guys use? I have been using 40/60 from RadioShack. Any input on good high temp solder?

[Diegoboy]

For hobby stuff, I use Deans solder. Because it will wick better when tinning
For electronics, I use 63/37, because it doesn't have a "plastic state"

Solder joints that are disturbed (moved) during the plastic state will result in damaged connections. For this reason, 63/37 solder is the best alloy for electronic work. Solder with 60/40 alloy is also acceptable, but it goes into a plastic state between 361 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit. When soldering joints with 60/40 alloy, you must exercise extreme care to prevent movement of the component during cooling.

[bustitup]

Cool, thanks Danny.

What solder do you guys use? I have been using 40/60 from RadioShack. Any input on good high temp solder?

here you go bubba ...this is the king...its what bustitup uses

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/products_id/27007/n/Hakko-936-13%252FP-ESD-Safe-Adjustable-Temperature-Soldering-Station-w%252FRed-RC-Skin

get some differant size tips......if you search ebay you may find a used one

GL bro

[Jesse J]

Dang, thanks bubba, I have seen that one advertised. and since it is th king, just might get it!

[NorthernBoater]

I use the Hakko 936ESD. All the solder stations at work are Hakko models.
http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-936ESD-S.../dp/B000ARU9HW

[Flying Scotsman]

For hobby stuff, I use Deans solder. Because it will wick better when tinning
For electronics, I use 63/37, because it doesn't have a "plastic state"

Solder joints that are disturbed (moved) during the plastic state will result in damaged connections. For this reason, 63/37 solder is the best alloy for electronic work. Solder with 60/40 alloy is also acceptable, but it goes into a plastic state between 361 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit. When soldering joints with 60/40 alloy, you must exercise extreme care to prevent movement of the component during cooling.

Danny's, answers are pretty much on the button....The T shirt is on its way I trust

I use Deans and Danny's answer makes a lot of sense

Douggie, who is an idiot

[j.m.]

My godfather has a REALLY cool station at his house, and the super duper expensive ones at his work (owns his own electronics business). Anyways, all I know about the station is that it's
A. Weller
B. 90w
C. uses the full 90w to reach the temperature you choose, then backs off to what is needed to maintain that temp

Heats up in around 15-20 seconds (not sure exactly, didn't count). It's blue and relatively large compared to the ones above. (probably means it's old...)
I'll do some perusing on the internet to try and find this one, or something similar. :)

~Jon McLendon

[NorthernBoater]

My godfather has a REALLY cool station at his house, and the super duper expensive ones at his work (owns his own electronics business). Anyways, all I know about the station is that it's
A. Weller
B. 90w
C. uses the full 90w to reach the temperature you choose, then backs off to what is needed to maintain that temp

Heats up in around 15-20 seconds (not sure exactly, didn't count). It's blue and relatively large compared to the ones above. (probably means it's old...)
I'll do some perusing on the internet to try and find this one, or something similar. :)

~Jon McLendon

That type of stations is probally about $1000. Probally above the budget for most people.

[egneg]

I have been using a cheap 150 watt gun for over 20 years for larger stuff. For small circuit boards I use a Weller battery powered soldering iron.

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/CF_Files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103221551

[Jesse J]

Thanks guys for the input, Egneg, how do you order from those guys? I like the battery operated option.

Where is good place to get 37/63 solder? Found the Deans but like the details Danny provided about plastic phase.

[bigwaveohs]

For hobby stuff, I use Deans solder. Because it will wick better when tinning
For electronics, I use 63/37, because it doesn't have a "plastic state"

Solder joints that are disturbed (moved) during the plastic state will result in damaged connections. For this reason, 63/37 solder is the best alloy for electronic work. Solder with 60/40 alloy is also acceptable, but it goes into a plastic state between 361 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit. When soldering joints with 60/40 alloy, you must exercise extreme care to prevent movement of the component during cooling.

What about 60/40 solder vs. 63/37?
A while ago, the electronics industry switched to 63/37 (and now they're switching to lead free) because it improved yields in mass soldering of surface mount components. 63/37 has slightly more tin, which should increase its cost slightly. It also is a eutectic mixture which means it freezes at one temperature like water, whereas 60/40 goes through a pasty range while freezing. Does this matter? In our experience hand soldering, not noticeably. A glass of water freezes at the same temperature, but freezes from the edge towards the center, not all instantaneously. So while there is a larger time that a 60/40 joint could get disturbed while freezing, the increased time isn't necessarily significant, and a 63/37 joint doesn't necessarily freeze instantly. We recommend getting a good brand, and whatever is cheaper."

[egneg]

Thanks guys for the input, Egneg, how do you order from those guys? I like the battery operated option.

Where is good place to get 37/63 solder? Found the Deans but like the details Danny provided about plastic phase.

Jesse I am pretty sure that I got it at Home Depot.

[chunkymonkey28]

I have heard good things about Hakko (spelling?) and Weller, in addition to what has been said above :)