huskeric

I recently purchased a cordless soldering iron (Weller, I believe), but it takes forever for it to get hot enough to melt the solder.

As such, I am looking to get another soldering iron/gun and would appreciate any recommendations.

I am looking for two purposes:
* ordinary wire soldering/repairs
* soldering on boards

I have been reviewing the Weller plug-in units, but the tips appear too large to solder on boards. Perhaps I need two?



thanks
r

19psi

While working in a car on heavier gauge wiring, you'll want something like a Weller 100/140 watt gun with a trigger. Most box stores sell them for about $30.00.

For board repair, I really like this...

I think it's a Hakko knock-off, but it works very well. I do a lot of electronics work and it goes year after year.
It's available from quite a few vendors on Amazon and eBay. If you order one make sure it's the + model and has the yellow Jap iron. Shouldn't cost more than $40 bucks.

SeanR

I love these. Have one for the shop and one in the to go kit

http://www.solder-it.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=286

bureau13

I don't remember the brand, but I got one on Amazon that had removable threaded tips of various sizes and adjustable heat levels. It wasn't that expensive, and it works great for me. It's blue if that helps

Captain_Slow

+1 I have this Weller gun. It's fantastic. Heats up really fast so heats the wire quickly and locally so the solder melts quickly, but heat isn't transferred down the wire to melt the insulation. Mouse damage under the fuse box of my Chevy 2500 gave me a lot of practice.

drscottsmith

Mine is the way to go. It's a lower line model (can't remember the number) but it's great.

-scott

siscogts

I use a dremel gas solder. For wiring, and other stuff.... Like heat cutting the old rubber of steering rack bushings, so it took less time to remove them.

Chalt

I second the vote for Weller 100/140 Gun for general work, they heat up fast and get the job done with minimal fuss. I have no experience with boards though, something smaller certainly. They make lots of different sized tips for the pencil soldering irons.

goin2drt

Love this brand. Find the one that will work for your situation.

http://www.hakko.com/english/products/soldering_iron/

hacker-pschorr

Soldering on a circuit board, any "run of the mill" pencil soldering iron will work.

Outside of that, purchase a quality crimp tool and good crimp ends and leave the soldering iron in on the shelf.

When trying to decide if I should solder or crimp, I ask myself: "What did the factory do" and do the same. Most electrical connections on a 928 are crimped.

Adding solder to a crimped connection is not necessary if using the proper tools for the initial crimp.

davek9

Lately I've been using a Weller (butane) I picked up at a local Lows/Home depot, it stays hot enough so no open flame under the hood for heaver wiring.

On circuit boards I'd suggest a 15/20watt electric so you don't risk pulling up runs or over heating parts, always use a heat sync

Dave

dr bob

I've been using a Weller temp-control soldering "station" setup for decades. Same one all the way through. It's good for board-level repairs but not SMD's, and for wire and connector soldering up to about 10ga. In the same cabinet there are a couple of the aforementioned Weller pistol-style soldering "guns", an ancient now-brandless large electric soldering iron for stained glass repairs, a Wen battery-powered mini soldering iron, plus a couple butane versions and mini-torches. The "station" gets all the duty these days unless there are very extenuating circumstances. The temp control is a valuable feature IMO.

karl ruiter

Anytime I am sitting at a bench I use a Weller WLC100. It is basically a pretty good solder station with a nice tip selection for an awesome price. If I am not at a bench I tend to use a butane torch. You can use the flame directly or you can use one that puts a tip over the flame like
http://www.northshorecommercialdoor....SABEgJ_q_D_BwE
The advantage there is you are much less likely to scorch something or start a fire by accident than with the bare flame.

huskeric

thanks all for the input... I think the soldering station is the perfect fit!