WTB Descent soldering station

John, check on how much the tips are and how available they are..
Actually its under $50.00... ;D
Don't forget the $28.00 UPS Shipping

imprez55 said:

There is no need to replace irons or tips that much. If you take care of your tips that can last 5+ years of casual use. I personally have not had a tip last less than a year ever before unless I abused it.

Click to expand...

Sorry I wasn't specific enough on my use with my soldering irons.  I solder almost every day on different computer equiment.  I started back then on circut boards for CRT monitors but those days are long gone now.  My skills I use for hobbies such as laser making now, laptop/mobo repairs, custom cases, etc.

Although with my recent accident, hit by a car, can't do much until my arm is out of this cast  
So for your every day hobby person I'd have to say you wouldn't have to change your iron for a VERY long time


and for your everyday hobby person.. I'd go for something less than $50.. maybe around the $30 range even... as long as it has an adjustable temp control, but make sure it comes with a spring stand... I've burned holes in the desk with the crap holder at my old job.. lol.. static mat melted.. lol

I've got an Aoyue hot air rework + soldering station. The same brand that Sparkfun sells. I don't really use the hot air part of it much, but I'm very impressed with the soldering station. You can get get just the soldering station part for about $40-$50 on Amazon depending on if you want it digital or not. Then get yourself a spool of eutectic solder (like Kester 44 Eutectic) and you'll be good for life.

WOW GUYS THANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT oops caps now all i need to do is the
sweet talking da wifee ;D

I have this one: http://shop3.frys.com/product/454489?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG and I've used the heck out of it! It's definatly better to get the variable heat over the cheap radio shacks. Plus, this one goes from room temp to highest in about 20 sec.

or you could go with this cheapy http://shop3.frys.com/product/4865150?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

;Dhttp://www.frys.com/search?search_type=regular&sqxts=1&query_string=solder+station&cat=0

http://www.mainelectronics.com/solderstn.htm

here... probably the cheapest ones around you'll ever get on the net.
$24 you get one with a temp control.. that's the one I suggest for your average hobby person.

I'd also invest in one of the solder suction pumps if I were you just in-case of those acidental messups or if you want to de-solder something from a board.  Get the metal one at the bottom.  It's the best one and will last longer than your iron.
http://www.mainelectronics.com/soldersuck.htm

Try to make an order of $25 minimum so you dont get charged an extra $5 for some bullcrap.. so buy a tip or some wires if you decide to just get the soldering iron.

Hope this helps

BTW.. they take paypal


Aoi

hey guys low on fundage went with a 30 watt weller pensil type 22.00
shipped it should last me a couple months

But hey guys thanks again i will refer back for all your input when buying another when i'm rich

Hey John,
you can't go wrong with the Weller...

yea and if no one likes my soldering gun "oh weller"

I'm going to get this
http://store.sra-solder.com/product.php?xProd=6145
anywhere cheaper that ships to canada