Thread: best value for money solder iron

ok i bought a 30W penicil type for $3 (new) the tip looks thin but hey on a student budget you cant go wrong... I dont solder too often..

This one appears to be of good value too. $17.99 60 watt Adjustable. http://www.princessauto.com/welding/...keyword=solder

Quote: Originally Posted by athif dont get the cheap ones, i did a lot of soldering in school, u would end up with blobs if u were the last to grab an iron since ude get the crappy 4.99 one that's been impaled through various seats, tables and the occasional nerd, leaving visible, skin and plastic residue on the iron yes and your teacher never told you to clean the tip off before soldering? I've been using the same tip for 6 years...

Quote: Originally Posted by DY yes and your teacher never told you to clean the tip off before soldering? I've been using the same tip for 6 years for plastic and solder. never had a problem. there are other kids who like to mess them up and not tidy up after themselves. ive owned a cheapy before, depending on how well u maintain it, it will last forever, just need to keep the tip clean and avoid too much dipping on the wet sponge. I...

Quote: Originally Posted by ScoTTY88 http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/WeldingSoldering/Soldering/PRD~0586305P/Mastercraft%2B25W%2BSoldering%2BIron.jsp that's a half decent one. you can pick up a similar one from princess auto for $7.99 sometimes.

Is it electrical work as in wires or electronic work as in attaching capacitors and transistors to other things. Some electronics are very sensitive and need a high end iron with temperature control.

How much are u planing to spend? there's one at canadian tire called cold heat which is awesome cause u won't burn urself with it and it's great for minor work.

dont waste money on a crap iron, buy a good one or nothing, ive used lots of low end ones and there so much hassle i just give up, especially those battery ones.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...ing%2BIron.jsp

I've got two pen type, both different wattages, and one gun type, which is dual. I've no problem with either.