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Thread ID: 142932 2016-10-11 22:31:00 What soldering iron? Tony (4941) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1427275 2016-10-11 22:31:00 My small soldering iron has packed a sad and I'm looking for a new one. Can anyone tell me why I would by this one:

tradetools.co.nz at $183.04 +GST

rather than this one:

www.jaycar.co.nz at $22.90 inc GST?
Tony (4941)
1427276 2016-10-11 22:53:00 Man that's pricey. I getaway with 5 -15 dollar irons. You can't buy the actual element online somewhere? maybe read the pdf Weller products specs manual here... (www.apexhandtools.com)

The clearance shed sell irons too (Pro-mark I think)
kahawai chaser (3545)
1427277 2016-10-11 23:08:00 Hakko has always been my choice of soldering iron/station :)

Click here (www.aliexpress.com)
Zippity (58)
1427278 2016-10-11 23:11:00 Man that's pricey.Exactly. I've long had the philosophy that it is worth paying for quality, but that does seem OTT. I don't think I can get an element for my current iron, but I'll certainly be checking out the repairability of what ever I end up with. Tony (4941)
1427279 2016-10-12 01:50:00 Depends how much you use it and what for, those are quite different tools you linked. the 40W fine tipped one is suitable for general circuit use and soldering wires etc, the 80W one has a much larger tip and is more for larger soldering jobs. I wouldn't put it anywhere near a circuit board. Weller do tend to be a bit more expensive, I have no Idea if they are worth it.

Myself I have a $20 one similar to the cheaper option that I've had for years and it is perfect for my occasional use. It has a turbo button that gives short bursts of extra power which comes in handy.
If I was spending the extra I'd be looking at a butane powered one, they are bloody handy. I also have one of those.
dugimodo (138)
1427280 2016-10-12 02:15:00 Hakko has always been my choice of soldering iron/station :)

Click here (www.aliexpress.com)

sniff sniff , price too good to be true. :)
Too many fakes being sold direct from China

Heres a real one
www.tradetech.co.nz

Ive had my Hakko for 15+ years, a good investment . Do need fatter tips than standard for many things.

That jaycar should be OK, but be aware , some of the cheapies dont even get hot enough to melt solder, as with my 80W cheapy.

Why the price difference , why does a Porsche cost more than a Lada ?
1101 (13337)
1427281 2016-10-12 02:23:00 the 80W one has a much larger tip and is more for larger soldering jobs. I wouldn't put it anywhere near a circuit board.My bad, I meant to post this link:
tradetools.co.nz

While we are on the subject, what are the advantages/disadvantages of the pistol-type guns, like this one:

www.bunnings.co.nz

I realize the one illustrated is 100w - it was just the first one I found.
Tony (4941)
1427282 2016-10-12 03:43:00 Weller do tend to be a bit more expensive, I have no idea if they are worth it.

How about my Weller Soldering Station:

Purchased in the mid '70's, used professionally for two decades, and still in use today after 40 years service (albeit less often these days) and my selection of tips (size and/or temperature) are still in good nick.

In fact, I'm about to repair the key-fob remote for my car, and that is a 4cm x 2cm pc board crammed with surface-mount components. I know the Weller won't fry anything or otherwise let me down!

It was well worth the purchase price!

Cheers

Billy 8-{) :thumbs:
Billy T (70)
1427283 2016-10-12 03:50:00 That certainly sounds like a recommendation.:thanks Tony (4941)
1427284 2016-10-12 06:06:00 The pistol grip ones I've used are brilliant, the heat is near instant when you pull the trigger and they can solder just about anything that it's possible to solder. The downside is they are not good for fine work or circuit boards and are probably too hot for that anyway.
It really comes down to what you use the iron for.

My butane powered soldering iron is a Weller, only had it for 15 years so It doesn't compare to Billy's story but it is still going. The beauty of gas is that it's very adjustable and there's no cord to worry about. Also if one of your work mates fills his up while it's still running and singes his eyebrows off you will still be laughing 10 years later. For fine work on a desk a decent soldering station is the ultimate though.
dugimodo (138)
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