Soldering iron recommendations

[lotus_esprit_s1]

Can someone recommend a decent soldering iron for everyday workshop use, I’ve had loads of cheap ones in the past - Lidl etc which don’t last, I’ve currently got a ancient 15W Henley which although seems to be built to last, isn’t really powerful enough.

what are the Weller soldering guns like?

Thanks!

 

[ajlelectronics]

Can someone recommend a decent soldering iron for everyday workshop use, I’ve had loads of cheap ones in the past - Lidl etc which don’t last, I’ve currently got a ancient 15W Henley which although seems to be built to last, isn’t really powerful enough.

what are the Weller soldering guns like?

Thanks!

What are you intending to do with it?

 

[mike os]

And how often do you use it?

 

[lotus_esprit_s1]

What are you intending to do with it?

Doing the odd circuit board repair, joining wires etc.

thanks

 

[lotus_esprit_s1]

And how often do you use it?

Once in a blue moon but I don’t mind spending to buy a good one to last.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Once in a blue moon but I don’t mind spending to buy a good one to last.

I use a Weller soldering station. Quite an old one, with a TCP iron.

 

[Richard Stowe]

I've got a 25watt Weller soldering iron that's used for all sorts and I've had it for 30yrs and it's still going strong

 

[daedalusminos]

I use the TS100 superb iron, you supply a DC pSI though

 

[ajlelectronics]

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I have a couple of Antex ones I've been using for 40 years or more.

 

[optima21]

I use a Antex 50 watt temperature controlled iron, I got that about 1990 and have 3 tips which I changed depending on what Im soldering. the modern ones are digital, but the older ones can be set from 200 to 450c

 

[mike os]

Mid priced soldering station then …

 

[MetalMonkey]

Ersa icon nano is an excellent soldering station, but I think probably out of budget.

 

[premmington]

I got solder stations from Weller/Ersa/JBC - most static temp handheld ones I got are Weller.

I seem to get drawn to Weller soldering iron when I have a purchase.

 

[Onoff]

I have a couple of Antex ones I've been using for 40 years or more.

Antex, nearly 50 years here...might have had a new element, lead and bit in that time...

 

[James1979]

Antex here. Bought some new tips off someone on here.

Station is good if you want a ‘do all’ as you can adjust the temp although I just have a 15w fixed one and that’s alright for all I do.

I have a Woolworths gun for hotter things. It was bought to get me out of a hole but has lasted years. Well, how long ago did woolworths shut?!

Most of what I use is battery now.

 

[eddie49]

Weller W61, a 60 Watt temperature-controlled mains iron, with fine & coarse tips, had it 47 years:

Weller W 61, 60W Temperature Controlled Mains Soldering Iron | Rapid Online

www.rapidonline.com

 

[Onoff]

Tbh most of the quick solder jobs I've done of late have been with the Lidl Parkside rechargeable jobbie.

 

[tom2207]

Ive a few ,,, Id like a solder station , but as close as Ive come a few times Ive not done it yet ,, Antex and Wella different sizes and Im happy enough.

 

[lotus_esprit_s1]

Thanks - just ordered a Weller WE1010 station