Cheap soldering iron

rkcstr · May 15, 2009

Cheap soldering station

It's not temperature regulated, but you can adjust it "5 to 40 Watts" and it has a base and everything for $10 (plus shipping).

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/sho...ering+Station+051409&utm_campaign=email051409

Add in the tip kit for an extra $5, which includes some small looking tips:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/sho...ering+Tip+Kit+051409&utm_campaign=email051409

Total for the two items with shipping for me is $23.52, which isn't too bad for a soldering station and extra tips. No idea if it is any good, though.

Grix · May 15, 2009

DX sells an iron for 4$, but that's not temperature variable, and doesn't include a dock.

rkcstr · May 15, 2009

And you have to wait for it to ship from China.... not really a comparable deal.

Tech_Junkie · May 17, 2009

I just bought that cheap iron from DX. It arrived in 10 days to my house in the North Eastern US. I guess were you live has a lot to do with it.

FlightLevel350 · May 17, 2009

I have something like that, and it works, but even so, it does not compare to a regulated soldering iron by a company that has a reputation, like Weller. The old saying, "you get what you pay for" comes to mind. Be that as it may, it would be a bargain for someone who uses a soldering iron infrequently. I do a lot of soldering, maybe that's why mine is starting to fail. It has lasted a few years, which is decent for the price. If I get another one, I might splurge and get a digitally temp controlled one...

tommer · May 17, 2009

i have a soldering iron just like that one.. the only difference is, that it's got a red case - it was about 14 euro (should be around 20 dollar) plus shipping.
i can say that its working fine for me. heating up the tip takes some time longer than heating more expensive soldering stations but time's not a problem for me. The thing that disturbes me most (but its the only annoying thing at all) is, that the cables are not really flexible (its like a normal power cable .. i dont know how they look in the US - you can imagine - the isolation is stiff - thats what i wanted to say)

potatorage · May 17, 2009

I'm interested in this-- I'm going to try to get a friend to buy it for me

jwc · May 17, 2009

I have a soldering station that looks *exactly* like it. It's sold by MPJA:
http://www.mpja.com/viewallpict.asp?dept=461

It's actually a fantastic little station. I have no problem soldering delicate circuitry with it. IMO, temperature regulation is a little overrated if you're looking for a good iron for standard electronics work.

FlightLevel350 · May 19, 2009

I would agree, but for SMD, where heat can be an issue, temp regulation can be more helpful. Hot air rework stations are supposed to be better for SMDs though, but they cost alot more for even the most basic

k1kb0t · May 21, 2009

I just picked up this one locally and it works great. I like the temp regulation feature as I'm using it frequently for all types of work.

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-Soldering-Hobbyist-Yourselfer/dp/B000AS28UC

potatorage · May 21, 2009

got a friend to buy it... it said 3-4 weeks delivery

Caveman · May 22, 2009

I would recomend an iron with a grounded tip. ESD can zap small parts. SMT capacitors, resistors, diodes and ic's.

Flaminpyro · May 22, 2009

:horse:a grounded tip is nessary when working with electronics esp static sen items like LD and surface mount components, dose that $ 10.00 bargan have 3 prong or a 2 prong plug, my bet is 2. I use a Weller WTCP series it has inerchangable tips it holds you cleaning sponge you couldn't ask for more in a basic iron and I have never, let me repete that NEVER had any problems with tips with this iron and I've been using the same ones for over 10 years now.
do you realy want to chance zapping a $12.00 part for a $10.00 soldering iron.

Peace Pyro...

jwc · May 22, 2009

Flaminpyro said:
:horse:a grounded tip is nessary when working with electronics esp static sen items like LD and surface mount components, dose that $ 10.00 bargan have 3 prong or a 2 prong plug, my bet is 2. I use a Weller WTCP series it has inerchangable tips it holds you cleaning sponge you couldn't ask for more in a basic iron and I have never, let me repete that NEVER had any problems with tips with this iron and I've been using the same ones for over 10 years now.
do you realy want to chance zapping a $12.00 part for a $10.00 soldering iron.

Peace Pyro...

Of course it has a 3 prong plug.

RA_pierce · Jun 1, 2009

rkcstr- Thanks for the link. I've been looking for something cheap like this. Bought one.

Cheap soldering iron

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