Morning all,

As title really, i need a fine soldering iron for some circuit board work, can anyone recommend me and cheap and relaible soldering iron with a fine nose tip?

Alex

Antex or Weller

The main thing is that the temperature should be closely controlled, so that you don't inadvertently cook the components.

As always, the more you pay the better the control.

maybe worth reading this

Antex are the best at a good price.
I use a 15w one for most circuit work, with a 40w cheap one for large parts like transformers and wiring my car etc.
Maplin quite often have a temperature controlled iron on offer.

Darren

ok is this ok, only need it for soldering LED's that im changing from orange to white in the head unit of my car

ebay linky

^^^ that is ok.

the antex Vs weller may end up like the BEC vs CEC wars but I stand in the Antex camp.

see here

or maplins do it for £ 17.

I use this for all my soldering needs and have done so for many many a year.

There okay, but an antex is only a few quid more or about the same.
I have used many different types before including this one. The tip wore away quickly, antex is the only one i`ve had that lasted.
If you are removing leds, than a heated desolder pump might be usefull, look at the rapid electronics website.
I swear by mine.
You can also use it to solder if you are only doing a few parts.
Darren

For leds should be ok.

If you want a decent one that is going to last, the only one to get is a Weller, 24v ,temperature controlled, 45 watt one. Mine has had the same tip in and has never let me down in twenty years. It will do fine electronic work, pcbs etc and even solder four ends of 2.5mm single together.
Definately the dogs.....

Depends what your doing.
- Ive always made do with a small antex and a sharp bit and a bit of care, but as said, all the pro's use temp controled irons.

We found a small 12v one in a craft shop and it does everything I need in the small range. It looks like an Antex copy. It cost £1.99.

[Edited on 30/11/09 by Peteff]

I use a cheap arse 30w thing from maplins, cost a few quid.

Works for car stuff, and pcb work just fine, no good for for SMDs though.

Another vote for Antex or Weller.

Weller are not cheap, but I have had mine for over 30 years, and still going strong with a lot of abuse. (I'm an active Radio Ham and build a fair bit, including 3 recent megasquirts).
Also you can get a multitude of different tips for different temperatures and job types.
Spares are easily available too.

Its the dogs dangly bit for me.

As for a BEC?? Nah... Its got to be a V8

Weller make a good quality adjustable temp soldering station called the WLC100. I'm sure they make a version for the UK. The US version is $54. I use a soldering iron and a gun daily -- you need both. The great thing about the WLC100 is that all of the parts are replaceable. This is the entry level soldering station for people who need a good soldering iron. In my shop in town, I use a Weller W60P which is not temp controlled but I plug it into a variac and thus can control the temp. Don't buy junk. There are a number of good manufacturers and good entry-level soldering stations. Call Weller directly and see what they have for the UK. A bad or cheap soldering iron will solder poorly and cause you grief.