solder and soldering iron recommendations

[jeepscx10]

I am looking to purchase my first soldering iron soon and was interested in seeing what people on here use/ recommend. Also need recommendations for solder.
Thanks in advance for all suggestions.
Kenneth

[scorpiondave]

Hakko 936

[chopan84]

Hakko 936...you wont be dissapointed

[jeepscx10]

What kind of solder should I use?

[rcmedic]

Leaded solder, WAYY better than lead free, lower melting point

[jeepscx10]

Anyone know where I can get a hakko 936 because I have been to rpp, tower, and amain and haven't found it

[Ghost]

looks like the 936 has been replaced by the fx888

[sumquak]

Originally Posted by jeepscx10

What kind of solder should I use?

my hobby tech told me to use alpha metals 60/40 solder 4 years ago and i use nothing else. i get it at the the local Ace hardware store.

if you can't pick up a Hakko, i bought a Trakpower station that works very well. i had trouble desoldering factory joints and this fixed it.

[jeepscx10]

Originally Posted by sumquak

my hobby tech told me to use alpha metals 60/40 solder 4 years ago and i use nothing else. i get it at the the local Ace hardware store.

I will check it out because I have an Ace hardware right around the corner from my house.

[Jakerz]

I've used a few Hakko and Weller irons before and they are really nice but honestly my $6 60 watt iron from hobbytown will solder or unsolder anything I've ever came across lol. I don't know if its worth spending $100 on though.

Jake

[Calderwood]

The next iron I buy will be one of the hakko knock offs from hobbyking.

[jeepscx10]

Well I've had a cheapo soldering iron before because one of my motor leads the solder joint broke so I needed to fix it. Went and bought a cheapy one and after I soldered the lead back I had no tip left so I figured a good one will last longer.

[tedo]

The fx888 is awesome.

Makes quick work of all tasks. I love the adjustable temp for different gauge wires.

I picked mine up new for $75 a couple years ago. I probably spent that much on several 60w cheapies prior.

Get a good iron. Will last a lifetime.

[JasonInAugusta]

For general work: Digital Soldering Station : Soldering tools & supplies | RadioShack.com

For big stuff: Craftsman Professional Dual Heat Soldering Gun - Tools - Welding Equipment - Soldering Tools & Accessories

[littlemel]

trackpower tk950

$80, but well worth it!

[Charlie-III]

I've been using this.... Soldering Station-BK3000LF for about a year. I've done servo wires, ESC's & motor/battery wires, so a range of wire sizes.

Fast heat up, decent temp control and replaceable tips. When I ordered it, I also picked up a small chisel tip so I had a flat to work with.
I would recommend it so far.

My son also has one, not sure how much he has used it though (bought him his own so he would stop stealing mine......).

I also have a dual heat Weller gun for "crude big work"..... The gun is from the late 70's and still works fine.

[Sbott1]

I have been using the same old $10 Hobbyco 60W that I got at Hobbytown 8? Years ago.... Until this week.

I finally "upgraded" to a Sears Craftsman Soldering Iron, 45 watt. On sale for 10 bucks.

I really wanted an adjustable Weller or something like it. I really only use it for motor / ESC / and putting Deans plugs on batteries. So I couldn't talk myself into it.

I don't build " Match Packs" anymore, and I just had that 8 dollar iron when I did.

I guess it just depends on what you want and what you want to spend. There are some awesome irons out there. I just went the cheap way. I just bought a ton of Brazing tools/materials so it was about my current priorities.

S

[Phins Fan]

Ive done all my work with the Hobbico 60W and have always been happy with it. Ive had a few cages last longer and have stronger "welds" than other guys who spent $100 or more on a solder station. If you have the $ than why not invest. Otherwise if its just for the hobby and you are on a budget the stickguns work just fine if not the same and only cost $10-$15 vs $80-$100

[Johnnysplits]

Yihua 937D soldering station, Kester solder 60/40, and rosin flux paste. I have 3 irons and a gun that are all collecting dust since I got the soldering station. Best $50 iv'e spent.

[el_Fernando]

Originally Posted by Johnnysplits

Yihua 937D soldering station, Kester solder 60/40, and rosin flux paste. I have 3 irons and a gun that are all collecting dust since I got the soldering station. Best $50 iv'e spent.

I got one of these too. Only prob is that pencil sharp tip that it comes with. Also a roll of the dice to get the proper tips for it. The HK website has alot if different info on what works and what doesn't. Many times conflicting info.

Other than that the Yihua cheapo works just fine. Here is the link for the USA one from the US warehouse:

Soldering Station with Adjustable Heat Range (USA Warehouse)