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;
View attachment 38221
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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.

 

[norminal]

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.

 

[maguchi]

I been using a Weller WES50 soldering station for 15 or 20 years now and been very satisfied with it. It gots great temperature control, and even after all this time it still fires up and holds temperature and always does its job good. I seen the newer WES51 ones going for between $150 and $170. IMO stay away from the discount ones and go with a name brand if you want it to last longer than a year or 2.

 

[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.