Hi All,
Just before Xmas I managed to blow up my old soldering iron......it was 15 years old so I can't complain!
I am looking for a replacement. I have always used the 'pistol-type' irons, but none of the High Street places seem to sell them anymore.
Plenty on the web.
Before I splash the cash can anyone recommend a particular make/model, stick or pistol-type soldering iron?
I will have one more look in the shops tomorrow.
Thanks for the help.
Martin
Machine mart doa pistol thing but it isn't the last word in ergonomic design, at work we have 20 low voltage Antex soldering irons- low voltage
is to keep kids safe (You won't need that ) and we always get silicon cables, they are easy to use heat up quickly and easy to replace/
change bits and if necessary repair- you can getall spare parts from Rapid which is handy
atb
Mike
Haven't used any of my electric soldering irons since getting a gas powered one from Snap On.
Weller is the manuafacturer of the original instant heat gun type although there have been imitators over the years (Woolworth used to sell a
similar style fairly good cheap gun :-( )
Also the straight type soldering irons that Lidl have are pretty good.
Gas powered irons are good but they eat soldering tips which are nearly as expensive as a new iron.
[Edited on 28/12/12 by britishtrident]
I have always used antex irons for normal electronic work and also have a Weller 100 watt heavy duty iron as well as a couple of gas irons a Weller
one and an unbranded one.As stated Antex are good quality and spares are easily available , the gas ones do tend to overheat and burn out the tips
quickly but are ideal for just making a couple of quick joints when working on the car.
Paul
I use two differint irons - for electronics an Antex 15W iron and for heavier stuff, such as connectors, a Weller 60W Magnastat iron. One iron will not sensibly cover both applications, either you'll struggle with heavier stuff or overheat lighter stuff.
Oki Metcal if your serious about electronics. I have a Metcal sp200 have not used anything that gets even close to it. almost instantly hot (around
10 seconds) and self regulates power input to keep the tip temperature stable. they are so good they dont even need to be annually calibrated to meet
military or medical standards as you just swap out the tip.
they are about £400 new but if you keep an eye out on ebay you can nabb a second hand one for anywhere between £50-200
Metcal SP200 Industrial Soldering Iron - great condition! Look now!
edit....
p.s the sp200 with the correct tip in it (about £12 each) can solder a 0.4mm leg on a IC or a 0 gauge power cable the thickness of your thumb
[Edited on 29/12/2012 by ashg]
I use Weller . Use them for electronics small laptop stuff and for bike loom use . Absolutely rock solid .
There is Weller and then there is Weller again!..But truth be told,on a budget, Antex is pretty good....I must confess I use a el cheapo Tool-lab
temperature adjustable solder station retro fitted with a Weller PT7 tip!...Yes Weller tips fit on these solder stations!
Antex all day long, but the gun type are a bit of the rave from the grave, Ive had a Lidl gun type for donkeys but dont like it. Gas is the way to go
for amateur use and conveniance.
Cheers,
Bob
quote:
Originally posted by splitrivet
Ive had a Lidl gun type for donkeys but dont like it.