soldering irons!

[newholland]

I like old school ones. I have a 15w 25w and 45w .
I tend to use the 25w for 90%of work. The key to good work is good solder. I still use this;
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oh definitely- i use the 2% silver stuff. im gonna haveta go in search of new tips if folks are using 25 watters!

 

[iaresee]

I like old school ones. I have a 15w 25w and 45w .
I tend to use the 25w for 90%of work. The key to good work is good solder. I still use this;
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Best part about the UK leaving the EU is leaded solder is back on the menu?

 

[Eagle]

Best part about the UK leaving the EU is leaded solder is back on the menu?

No but you can easily find it. Nothing good about leaving the EU.

 

[Orvillain]

 

[jellodog]

Hakko FX-888D has been great.

Apparently it's been discontinued and succeeded by the Hakko FX-888DX.

HAKKO | HAKKO Corporation

www.hakko.com

 

[gearJunkie]

I have a very old Weller (30+ years) that is still a very capable tool, but I recently replaced it with the iFixit portable soldering station ($250).

It's 100 watts and provides 8 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. It also has adjustable tip temperature between 100°C and 420°C via a built-in Web Interface or Android App.

The convenience factor of not having to plug into a wall outlet helps to overcome my procrastinating tendencies.

 

[Deleted member 472]

provides 8 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. It also has adjustable tip temperature between 100°C and 420°C via a built-in Web Interface or Android App.

Well I’ll be damned. A smart soldering iron. Who would’ve thunk.

 

[Alex Kenivel]

Weller WLC100, 50W station at home. Weller 35W in my bag on the go ever since I had an output jack go bad at a gig

 

[madmarcus1960]

Metcal, constant current 800W, never have issues with soldering grounds to pots again. Find them used, variety of tip available.
Industrial level equipt.
I was lucky, I had a job as a tech in the semiconductor capital equpt industry in MA. We got bought by a CA company and they just closed our plant after 4 years and 11 months of ownership. We all took our tools home, crimpers, Fluke DMM, and a Metcal.
Example of an active auction, just buy a cable and tips from TESTEQUIPMENT.com

Metcal Soldering Station (Station Only, No Cables) -- TESTED | eBay

Tested and works as shown in the photos. This item does not include cables, input/outputs, or power cord. Station only.

www.ebay.com

 

[Jarick]

Weller WLC100 here...it's just a good basic soldering iron. I'm just doing guitar electronics so no need for anything fancy but it's reliable which is more than a lot of others can claim.

 

[HomespunEffects]

I like the Hakko FX-888D. Kinda looks like a toy but I've been using mine for years with no issues

That’s what I have as well.

 

[JasonE]

I like the Hakko FX-888D. Kinda looks like a toy but I've been using mine for years with no issues

I have this one also. I was looking at this one and the Weller when I bought it. The Hakko had slightly better reviews. The heat up time and recovery on it is very good. When I toured the PRS factory in December, I saw some of the exact same unit I have on some of their benches that are being used every day. I have not complaints about mine at all.

 

[bikescene]

I’ve used a Weller WLC100 for 15 years now. I think I am thinking about upgrading for my next big project, but I’ve been able to build numerous pedals and amps with it. Swapping the stock flathead tip to a Weller ST6 or ST7 conical tip made soldering a lot easier for me to squeeze it into tight spaces.

 

[sandmannn69]

HEY

i have a backlog of soldering to do, and ive been nursing along this pathetic old iron for forever.. its time. its like maybe 30w, and i can barely heat the back.of a pot to solder grounds.

whatd be your goto iron for all purpose guitar work? and not $400 soldering stations, please although it sometimes seems i need 100w for the back of pots.. and 25 for pickup wire.

gracias all solder sniffers.

Used Metcal.

 

[Frankencat]

I used to use Wellers but switched to the Hakko FX-888D a few years ago. I have two of them in my shop, they get used hard and never complain. Solid, stable temps and the tips last forever. Good stuff.

 

[deadpool_25]

LOVE my Hakko FX888D

 

[GuitarBilly74]

I use this one:

https://a.co/d/5PPMemK

I had to go to my Amazon account to get the link from mmy purchase history. (Not an affiliated link).

I saw that I bought it in 2018 and I've used it in countless pickup, swaps, cable builds and other projects. No issues at all.