Hacking Recommendations on soldering irons.

[Ericthegreat]

So I have soldered in the past with an $8 soldering iron and who knows what kind of rosin core solder, the project ended up fine, but it was a bit of a nightmare. Other than my horrible soldering skills I also blame that old iron (it literally melted itself after about 3 uses), Just wondering for circuit boards like the switch (or I plan to modify some cc2531's soon) what soldering iron do you guys recommend, would something like this be okay:

https://www.amazon.com/ANBES-Solder...1_2?keywords=anbes&qid=1561069335&s=hi&sr=1-2

or their new version:

https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B073VDX4B7/ref=dp_ob_title_hi

Or should I do I need to go for something like a weller or x-tronic (any recommendations)?

Does it matter? Also whats the best type of solder(lead, no lead)/gauge to use?

I also see a lot of cheap chinese soldering stations on ebay, dunno which are good/safe to use.

Edit: Ended up with a ksger from aliexpress, could not be happier. The newest version as of a few months ago was the 1.2S. Remember to buy tips!

 

[Chocola]

I'm not expert, just play with electronic components as hobby, but on my case I'm using a regulable soldering station.

60W for microcomponents like Switch are so much, 20W or 30W max are ideal for this devices if you can't regulate the temp.

This solder iron can be do the job I guess (always lowering the temp with the regulator) but probably the durability are so small.

For soldering, another things are important too, search a good welding wire and good flux, the cheap welding wire have a lot of plumb and a bit percent of tin, this gona make the solderings a pain and horrible, the flux help a lot on soldering and add extra protection for components.

Magnifient glass and heat protectors are recomended too for manipulate things like Switch, respect gauge try to use one of 3mm or something like (the gauges have quality too, cheap gauges didn't transmit the heat fine)

 

[Kubas_inko]

Good, cheap and overall loved soldering iron is TS100 and TS80. Search for those.

 

[twitchtvchester]

I bought my TS100 from Banggood. The main tip I use for soldering I bought is the TS-I. They work great. Be sure to switch to the better open-source alternative firmware found on Github. Also, keep in mind that with the TS100 you will need to buy a power supply since it does not come with one. It uses a DC 5525 (a common laptop port) and draws roughly 2-2.5 A if I'm not mistaken. You may be able to find a TS100 that comes with a power supply if you look hard enough.

 

[Localhorst86]

I bought the TS100 as well. Its compact and easy to weild around, the tips are easily replaceable the the temperature can be controlled very precise. Probably not used for some heavy duty soldering, but perfect for electronics.
The successor, the TS80 uses a USB-c connection and can be powered with a QC 3 enabled power brick.

 

[twitchtvchester]

For solder, I really like the Kester Solder 67/33 .015 diameter. It is a leaded solder so make sure to clean your hands, avoid your mouth and eyes, and have proper ventilation and/or a fume extractor. Leaded solder has a lower melting point than unleaded, so it is typically much easier to work with. A 1 Lb. spool on Amazon is $35-40, but smaller spools may be found for cheaper.

For flux, the best I've come across is Amtech NC-559-V2-TF Tacky Flux which can be found from Rossmann Repair Group for ~$15.

For desoldering braids, I like the Goot Wick CP-1515. On eBay a single roll is right around $1.

If you need a Hot Air Rework Station, the Quick 861DW is amazing. It can also be found from Rossmann Repair Group for ~$280.

 

[fille]

I have a pace ads 200,https://paceworldwide.com/ADS200/

 

[Deleted User]

Hakko FX888D is an excellent kit and one you'd likely never need to replace even in professional use. It destroys a weller in the same price bracket.

 

[Daggot]

Get a TS100 or a Hako FX-888D clone from china.

 

[david_enoh]

What about the tip, what is a good tip to access those small pads?