Need recommendation: Soldering Iron

[Para]

My 2nd cheapo soldering iron just gave up the ghost and I want to get a decent one that will last and do a good job soldering the wires we use in mods.

Anyone have a favorite make/model they recommend?

Thanks

 

[WillyB]

This is probably the most recommended one in it's price range.

Amazon.com: Hakko Soldering Station, 936, ESD, With 907 ESD Iron: Home Improvement: Reviews, Prices & more

You'll also see many clones of it for less.

 

[5cardstud]

here's a good 20 to 50 watt. :RadioShack DSL-050 Selectable Wattage Soldering Iron : Soldering tools & supplies | RadioShack.com
I just use one of their 40 watt, $10.00 soldering irons and it's been going good for along time.

 

[Hoosier]

I use an ancient soldering station.
The Weller WLC 100 is the closest to it in current manufacture.

It may be overkill, but it is real easy to work with.

 

[b00stzx3]

+1 on the Radio Shack cheapie. Mine works well, heats up fast, comfortable grip, came with nice pick tool, avery handy stand (it does transmit heat though as the stand is all metal, wrap it with some tape!!) and some small solder. $8 at Radioshack!

 

[WillyB]

+1 on the Radio Shack cheapie. Mine works well, heats up fast, comfortable grip, came with nice pick tool, avery handy stand (it does transmit heat though as the stand is all metal, wrap it with some tape!!) and some small solder. $8 at Radioshack!

Seems the OP was trying to get away from 'cheapies'.

My 2nd cheapo soldering iron just gave up the ghost and I want to get a decent one that will last

 

[lukemacneil]

I bought 3 cheap radioshack irons in a week, and quickly grew tired of it.
Ended up springing for a weller. Soldering is a much more pleasant experience now.

Amazon.com: Weller WES51 Analog Soldering Station, Power Unit, Soldering Pencil, Stand and Sponge: Home Improvement

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

I sprung and got an Aoyue 2900 from SRA (Stan Runbinstein and Associates) and am LOVING it. It heats up in about 30 Seconds and with the finer tips there is not much I shy away from or have problems with except the QFN format (need an oven for those).

 

[Para]

Thanks for the recommends....I appreciate the advice. I bought the 16 buck Radio Shack model (two of them) and both lasted a couple of weeks and burnt out. I didn't abuse it at all; just went splat.

I think I'll go with one of the stations in the links.....spend more up front and get good performance and long life. Again, thanks!

 

[BobTheKlown]

I've been eyeing this one...
But, I don't have it, so I can't 'reccomend' it, I guess....

 

[Sci]

ZD-99 MINI SOLDER STATION. 2nd one down on the page. $14.95. I've been using one for months. It's adjustable, heats up fairly quick, & has not let me down. I'm on my second tip & the only reason the 1st one went bad was because of RS's tip cleaner. It ate the tip.

 

[Skud]

Digital Soldering Station : Soldering tools & supplies | RadioShack.com

i work in a recording studio and we build a lot of our own gear, lots of sensitive electronic equipment with specialized, expensive components, and this thing work like a charm. i'm totally done with cheap irons after working with a real variable-temp solder station.