15W & 30W Soldering Irons vs Soldering station 50W

[OgreSwamp]

Sorry, I think question is too dummy

I'm reading book Make: Electronics and they have "Shopping Lists" there.
I'm quite close to the sobering part.
In this book they recommend to buy 2 soldering irons - 15W pencil type iron and 30W (actually both mentioned as essential).

Will Antex 50W soldering station with T=150-450C work for me or I actually should buy 2 soldering irons?

I have cheap and crappy noname 30W soldering iron. Do you think I better buy options above?

Thanks.

[mr_loldongs]

That book is 95% hype and less than 3% of useful content. If you have it as a PDF - don't waste space on your hard drive and just delete it. If you have it in a paper version then it might be useful to light a fire or a furnace.

Please, find yourself some real electronics book and stay away from all that "maker" crap.

[wraper]

Non temperature regulated soldering irons suck. Depending on your location there are different choices which temperature regulated soldering station to buy. However even $25-40 Hakko knockoff/clone (Atten, Yihua...) will perform much better than crappy unregulated soldering irons. Just need to buy few sizes of very cheap chisel tips for different type of work (tiny IC or huge transistor soldering).

Will Antex 50W soldering station with T=150-450C work for me or I actually should buy 2 soldering irons?

This link is not for soldering station but just for spare soldering iron for it. Compatible stations themselves cost order of magnitude more (handpiece seems to be compatible with multiple models).

[AG6QR]

A thermostatically controlled soldering station is better than any fixed-wattage soldering iron.  It will use its thermostatic control to "throttle down" its power to maintain the tip at the proper temperature.  Its quoted wattage covers the highest power it can produce, but it will never use more power than required to maintain the tip temperature to its set point.  It will automatically use more power as soon as you put its tip in contact with something that draws heat away.

So if you can afford it, get a single thermostatically controlled station instead of a couple of uncontrolled pencil-style irons of varying wattages.

A word of caution: that link seems to go to a replacement iron, which needs a separate base to function.  Make sure that whatever you buy is a complete system.

[nanofrog]

A temperature controlled station is by far a superior solution to the stick irons suggested in your Make: ... book.

Past that, we'd need to know where you're located (set country in user profile, and your flag will display), and what's your budget (prices swing wildly based on location). For example, a Hakko FX-888D can be had for ~$92 shipped here in the US, but that same station in a 230V in say the UK, is ~135GBP total to a UK address IIRC from dancap.co.uk.

And according to Xe.com, that's a tad over $204. Same station, but more than double the price. 

[picandmix]

As AG6QR has noted, that link is for the soldering iron only, it does not include the base station shown in its picture which are £100+,  a little misleading .

suitable for use with the Antex 660TC, 660A and 690D soldering stations.

So many irons to choose from, but as said you get what you pays for, but equally its easy to get carried away in the hype of the top end models.

However for starting off, then the Antex XS25w and Antex C15w are the two mains irons that have served me well for many years; the 15W for fine pcb work and the 25w for heavy pcb and wiring connectors etc.
Both stocked by Rapid Online and possibly Maplins shops

They are about £15 each so a good cheap starter option; but where available do buy the version with a Silicone lead so you have less change of burning it !

If deciding today, I might be able to give a you a view of one of these soldering stations Davy reviewed.

A mate has just bought one for £22 here in the UK and I will be down there tonight, be interesting to see how it solders; he sounds happy enough with it.

[OgreSwamp]

Thanks everyone.

Yes, I haven't spotted that this is an iron only without a station.

I live in Ireland, usually it means UK price + some delivery charges.
picandmix, thanks. I'm not in a big rush - can wait a day or two.
Both Antex irons you mentioned were my first choice. I've read good reviews about Antex. They are about €30 each (about 23 GBP).

There are few budget stations I found on the website: http://ie.farnell.com/tenma/21-10115-uk/soldering-station-60w-220v-uk/dp/2064549
But now I'm not too sure. It looks like good quality one is far more €100 and I'm not sure how far my new hobby will go. I don't want to spend too much at this stage and I think 2 irons easier to store than a station (station is more suitable if it is a permanent hobby or job).

I found also adjustable Antex iron:
http://www.rapidonline.com/tools-equipment/antex-tcs-50w-temperature-controlled-iron-85-0550
Do you think that will be a better choice than 2 irons. It is slightly more expensive but I'd say that is around my maximum budget at that point.

PS: As far as I understand the book I'm using is not in favour of experienced people. Well... I definitely don't want to start new hobby by reading big proper electronics sudy books. I've learned it about 15 years ago in college - wasn't too much fun. 90% of theory. If you can recommend some hands-on guide (with theory of course, there is o way to ignore it in such hobby) - I would appreciate if you can share their names. Telling "your book is shite" - doesn't really help without offering an alternative.
I thought to go through http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/index.html after finishing Make: Electronics book.

[picandmix]

That Tenma station from Farnells is just a 'clone' rebranded for them, or so I have read in the 'other equipment' forum.
Just search for 'soldering irons'  in that section for lots of views.

Have had some Tenma meters and never been that keen on them and also bought a different brand low cost solder station from Farnells some years ago, extremely poor quality.

As far as I can see, in the UK / Ireland ( south ?) your choice is basically the 936/937 solder stations clones in various guises, or then go for a genuine Hakko FX but that cost £130 delivered; way too much for a beginner imo.

I did try a cheapo Chinesse temperature controlled iron , again, some years ago, but that just ran way too hot .

Bear in mind that standard mains iron  do tend to run a little hot if left On in the stand for too long,  and as such would not be helpful for production work, however for basic diy work , even down to smd work, you know of these little limitations and its easy enough to work with them imo, though sure that will bring many comments !

As for the Antex adjustable one,  never seen one so hard to say.  I have found the standard irons extremely reliable and very handy for field work where a bulky station is impracticable. 
Hopefully someone else who has one can comment on how good they are, though at £60+ thats lot more than 2 standard irons ...

As for books to use, cannot comment other than to say, follow one that you find easy to get on with.

Perhaps do not be a slave to just following a book, do also  try you own little projects / practical experiments alongside the theory.

You do not say where your particular electronic interests are, but there are many sites for various projects, from the 'simple' 555 timer  up to microprocessors that you can try out now.

[OgreSwamp]

Thanks.

I think I'll go for 2 Antex irons - read loads of good reviews about them. Unless someone who have used the controlled one will recommend it.

My interests are - "recover the knowledge". In the college we had pretty theory heavy sources on electronics, semiconductor IC manufacture processes, erect design etc. The only one I was really liked (and was good at) was more "software" ones - digital circuit design where we programmed Altera PLDs using Max Plus software.
Recently I've got an Arduino as a present. The "software" part of it is completely understandable for me, but when in sample projects why mention "put capacitor here, add resistor there etc" I don't understand why they're doing that as there is no explanations.
So I decided to start with basics, and then return to Arduino when I have better understanding on what I'm building on the breadboard.

The ultimate target right now is to build remote controlled curtain opener. I know there are ready projects, but I'd like to design myself

[picandmix]

Should give it a while to see if anyone has experience of that Antex adjustable or put it as a new question in the 'Other Equipment' forum to get more attention.

Will let you know in later tonight, snow permitting, what my mates new 936 solder station is like, rather intrigued to see it working ..

Had a quick look at the Make book, seem a good balance between theory and practice, no rule says you have to do college level study, after all , a hobby should be fun.

If ordering from Rapid can really recommend this resistor kit, sound expensive, but when you have to pay 38p for single resistors from Maplin  ...!
http://www.rapidonline.com/electronic-components/mr25-metal-film-resistor-kit-65199

[nanofrog]

I found also adjustable Antex iron:
http://www.rapidonline.com/tools-equipment/antex-tcs-50w-temperature-controlled-iron-85-0550
Do you think that will be a better choice than 2 irons. It is slightly more expensive but I'd say that is around my maximum budget at that point.

This would be a better choice than the 2 separate, non-regulated irons.

PS: As far as I understand the book I'm using is not in favour of experienced people. Well... I definitely don't want to start new hobby by reading big proper electronics sudy books. I've learned it about 15 years ago in college - wasn't too much fun. 90% of theory. If you can recommend some hands-on guide (with theory of course, there is o way to ignore it in such hobby) - I would appreciate if you can share their names. Telling "your book is shite" - doesn't really help without offering an alternative.
I thought to go through http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/index.html after finishing Make: Electronics book.

You might find the following of interest:

• Practical Electronics for Inventors, 3rd Ed. (paperback, under 20GBP)
• Talking Electronics
• Talking Electronics, PIC Programming Page

[wraper]

Thanks.

I think I'll go for 2 Antex irons - read loads of good reviews about them. Unless someone who have used the controlled one will recommend it.

Do not buy them, they are crap. Slow heating at the start, then overheating if you need to solder more than a few joints. Even this cheapo would be better (need to buy few different type tips, few $ on ebay). http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__32515__Soldering_Station_with_Adjustable_Heat_Range_with_EU_plug_EU_warehouse_.html
If you have some budget, get ERSA I-CON pico instead (if you are in EU) or HAKKO 888D (in US).

[madires]

I think I'll go for 2 Antex irons - read loads of good reviews about them. Unless someone who have used the controlled one will recommend it.

Starting with inexpensive 15W and 30W irons is fine. You should be able to solder most stuff with them, but stay away from large ground planes and large connectors. I wouldn't buy a controlled one. They don't offer a real benefit. Instead I recommend to get a decent soldering station later on, when you've advanced to the next level

[GreyWoolfe]

I have had both, the 'firesticks' and a temp controlled station.  Even though you are just a beginner, i would say go for the controlled station.  There is always a use for a soldering iron.  I have used the triggered soldering guns in the past, When I went to ITT Technical Institute for my EET degree, they gave us mains plugged soldering irons.  I had the opportunity to upgrade to take on a repair project for my company, I bought a real Hakko 936.  I will never go back to the firesticks.  It is much better to save up now and get something decent than to muddle along with lesser quality tools.  My father taught me to spend the money to buy the right tool and only buy it once.  I encourage you to do the same.

[ion54]

This might be above your budget but it is temperature controlled and small size. I can vouch for the 120V version. Multiple tips will be required for different components and temperatures.
http://www.digikey.ie/product-detail/en/T0056103699/T0056103699-ND/3079509

[TheGlassesGeek]

I recently bought a 10 dollar solder station myself, just a non regulated simple one. For me it works great!!   

[RedOctobyr]

Only my $0.02, I'm no expert. I had a fixed-wattage pencil iron from Radio Shack. 20W, I think.

It took a while to warm up, and only had a pointed tip. For soldering bigger wires, I had to let it warm up for a while, to get better results.

I then upgraded to a Hakko FX-888. It was a big improvement. It comes up to temperature quickly, and stays hot when you put the tip on something. I don't have to worry about overheating small items, as long as I've set a suitable temperature. And the variety of tips makes it easy to use something suitable for the task at hand.

I got better results, with less frustration. I've used it for things from replacing a tiny  surface-mount fuse in a laptop, to soldering 10AWG wire onto 5mm bullet connectors. Using the appropriate tips, of course.

Even the fact that the "nose" of the Hakko pencil is shorter is helpful, in my opinion. You hold it closer to the tip, making it easier to place the tip accurately for small items.

I would vote for a temperature-controlled station of some sort, even if it has to be a decent-reputation clone.

Sent using Tapatalk.

[WattsUp]

My first soldering iron plugged into the wall, I used it for ~2 years without knowing of anything better. After needing something slightly better for a repair job, I bought a £20 936 clone. I haven't used it much yet, and I'm sure it won't be amazing, but it can't really be much worse.

What I'm saying is that you only appreciate the value in a great piece of kit after you've used a POS for a while. Would RedOctobyr have been so happy with his FX-888d if it was the first thing he got? If you have the money then by all means go out and buy an amazing station, it will be worth it in the long run, but there is nothing wrong with starting at the bottom (IMHO of course)
Ben

[Puffie40]

Like the saying goes, there's no replacement for displacement, or in this case, watts.  Those pencils will be okay for soldering wires, but you will be disappointed in the circuit board performance.

My soldering station right now is a Weller wesd51. Its not the best iron around, but its better than any eBay clone, and has really decent output.

[picandmix]

OgreSwamp


As mentioned went  round to try my mates new 936  clone solder station last night.

For the price could not fault it.

Tested the temperature control against measuring the tip temp and it was surprisingly accurate across the whole range.

The iron was light and felt well balanced, and though its lead was soft, don't think it is silicone; but no biggie as its not a mains voltage iron.
The irons tip is earthed,   and the control unit panel says ESD safe, though Davys review kind of rejected that,

The station and iron holder could do with some non slip rubber feet as they are just hard plastic runners and slide around a smooth table.

How good they are long term is hard to say, but for the price think I would suggest it would be a better option than 2 mains irons.

He bought it from this link , said it was very quick delivery and very well packaged.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312086-936-Electronic-Soldering-Rework-Station-400-Degrees-Temperature-Control-/291045808647?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item43c3ae9a07

Warper did mention what seems to be the same unit from Hobby King, aka BangGood and my mate had seen them last November but even today they are still out of stock, he got fed up of waiting so had to pay a little more, still he seems pleased enough now he's got it !


Edit   - forget to mention the unit he received includes an all metal  threaded socket and plug for the iron cable - much better than the push in plastic one their site shows.
This one from another ebayer is virtually what he got, just that the  Logo is WLX instead of Atten

[wraper]

He bought it from this link , said it was very quick delivery and very well packaged.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312086-936-Electronic-Soldering-Rework-Station-400-Degrees-Temperature-Control-/291045808647?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item43c3ae9a07

Warper did mention what seems to be the same unit from Hobby King, aka BangGood and my mate had seen them last November but even today they are still out of stock, he got fed up of waiting so had to pay a little more, still he seems pleased enough now he's got it !

Probably not exactly the same. Hobby King one at least have some crappy brand, this one is noname. There are thousands of places in China where it could be made  . But you could expect more or less the same performance from them.

[Bassman59]

I wouldn't buy a controlled one. They don't offer a real benefit.

All due respect, but that's horseshit.

[picandmix]

Just a footnote , liked my friends new iron so I ordered one for myself last week, arrived this morning , identical model, works well.

Done a Davy and opened up the base station and unlike his review this has a smart smd pcb with no bad looking joints.

Some might say its rubbish, but have used Wellers at work before, and have to say for the price I'm more that happy with it.
OK it might not last 30 years, but neither will I 

[madires]

I wouldn't buy a controlled one. They don't offer a real benefit.

All due respect, but that's horseshit.

To prevent any misunderstanding, what I meant with "controlled one" is an soldering iron with a built-in temperature control, i.e. built into the handle. Cheap ones are crap, and if you check the price for a proper one you'll see that you could get a soldering station for the same money. I'd take the soldering station.