Where to start (new to modding)

[Digs]

What do you guys think about the Hakko 936 soldering station? I found it for $78.50 with 10 free tips & free shipping on eBay.

Soldering Station HAKKO 936-12 ESD 110V free 10 tips - eBay (item 280499244582 end time Apr-30-10 17:34:11 PDT)

I'm also thinking of getting some of that Hakko tip cleaner stuff and some flux. I also need solder but I'm not sure what kind. What solder do you all use on your mods?

 

[Rocketman]

78 bucks for a soldering station from Hong Kong?
Try MCMElectronics.com or a cheap one from MPJA.com.

 

[Digs]

I thought it was made in Japan. I heard good things about it and don't mind paying extra for something if it's good quality. I was also looking at the Aoyue 936 which looks about the same but its only 40W and $40 instead of 60W and $80. I think 35W will probably be enough for this type of work but I'm not really sure and dont want to find out I need more Watts to do a certain job later down the road. I'd rather just fork over the money for something that is going to work for anything I need it to. Plus its my birthday in 3 days and at my age I just have to treat myself to something nice because no one else is going to give me anything =P

I'm not going to buy it just yet though. I don't buy anything until I research most of my options. $80 is quite a bit to spend for a soldering iron that I may not end up using that often ..though I could always sell it on eBay used if that were to happen.

I do want one with variable temperature control and an on/off switch though. Which one from those sites with these features would you recommend?

EDIT: I just realized what you mean -- the auction is getting shipped from Hong Kong. I didn't even realize that. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

 

[316lvm]

I thought it was made in Japan. I heard good things about it and don't mind paying extra for something if it's good quality. I was also looking at the Aoyue 936 which looks about the same but its only 40W and $40 instead of 60W and $80. I think 35W will probably be enough for this type of work but I'm not really sure and dont want to find out I need more Watts to do a certain job later down the road. I'd rather just fork over the money for something that is going to work for anything I need it to. Plus its my birthday in 3 days and at my age I just have to treat myself to something nice because no one else is going to give me anything =P

I'm not going to buy it just yet though. I don't buy anything until I research most of my options. $80 is quite a bit to spend for a soldering iron that I may not end up using that often ..though I could always sell it on eBay used if that were to happen.

I do want one with variable temperature control and an on/off switch though. Which one from those sites with these features would you recommend?

EDIT: I just realized what you mean -- the auction is getting shipped from Hong Kong. I didn't even realize that. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

Hi Diggs -

I use soldering irons in my work as a jewelry designer and maker. The Hakko that you mentioned runs too hot for your needs. It is designed to be used for stained glass artists or those who work with glass. It's for production work.
Not only that, but the tips are too wide to use for delicate work.

What you will probably need is a solder iron that can heat up to 40 watts which is a safe bet. Most electrical components can be soldered at 30 watts. Anything higher than 40 you risk melting any plastic in it's vicinity and the circuit board.

Rosin soldering wire has flux inside the wire.
Flux is used on both pieces to help the solder flow. It's not used to "clean" the parts. The parts should be free of grease and grim before soldering in order for the solder to take.

A Weller pistol grip soldering iron is good. So is a pencil grip soldering iron. You will need a tip that is small and pointed for the delicate work of electronic soldering.

A temp control is overkill for the work you mention. Here's a link that might be helpful:

EPE "Basic Soldering Guide"

Hope this helps.

 

[316lvm]

Just took a look at the auction. That's a good price for a 60watt Hakko soldering station with tips. If you plan on cranking out mods and doing other electrical soldering for years to come, then it would be a good buy. If not, get a cheaper one for around $5-10 bucks.
OH, and one more, get lead free solder. It's better for you and the enviornment.

 

[Rocketman]

Probably too late but MCM is having a sale (over at midnight) 25% off plus free ship for orders over $100.
I'll be back in about an hour. code is WOW25.

Too late. wait for next one I guess