Aye, but you get what you pay for. I've had mine for about 15 years and it still operates like new and everything is tight despite having a pretty hard life. It sounds like this isn't just for a bit of DIY so I'd say get the best you can afford.Geoff.R.G wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2019 6:17 pmFluke meters are very nice but also very expensive, they start at around £170, unless you are going to use it all day every day I would suggest it is over the top. I would avoid the really cheap ones though. I can't think of a brand I would recommend though. The one I use most came from Maplin.
Antex make a very good temperature controlled soldering iron, I have always used Antex irons and never had a problem with spares.
Soldering
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Re: Soldering
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Re: Soldering
I'll not argue with that but equally I have a tiny multimeter issued to me in the 90s that is still working fine and that was for professional use. I'd like to have a Fluke but I can't justify a fourth digital multi meter. If you can afford £170 then buy a Fluke.zebbo wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2019 7:23 pmAye, but you get what you pay for. I've had mine for about 15 years and it still operates like new and everything is tight despite having a pretty hard life. It sounds like this isn't just for a bit of DIY so I'd say get the best you can afford.Geoff.R.G wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2019 6:17 pmFluke meters are very nice but also very expensive, they start at around £170, unless you are going to use it all day every day I would suggest it is over the top. I would avoid the really cheap ones though. I can't think of a brand I would recommend though. The one I use most came from Maplin.
Antex make a very good temperature controlled soldering iron, I have always used Antex irons and never had a problem with spares.
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Re: Soldering
Nice! Thank you.slinger wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2019 1:08 pm A lot depends on your budget, as you'll have seen, they range from tens-of-pounds to hundreds. I bought this one a few weeks ago, for less than thirty quid, and it's perfectly adequate for the amount of use it'll get. It's got a variety of tips and you can buy replacements.
DQ is spot on about the "helping hand" tool, too. You won't know you need one until the first time you use it, and the second, and the third... I'd add that a decent "solder sucker" desoldering tool is a good addition to your kit as well.
One last bit of unrequested advice: If it's not going to live permanently on a workbench, or similar, get something to store all of your soldering gear in, to keep it all together for when you actually need it. One of these fit the bill perfectly for me.
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Re: Soldering
There's plenty of 2nd hand Flukes around as long as you don't want one immediately you will find a good RMS version for around a £100. A brand new basic Fluke 101is £40 on ebay. You won't go wrong with a pukka Fluke.
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Re: Soldering
For what it's worth, I also bought one of these multimeters fairly recently. It's fairly solid, and my only complaint is that it didn't come with croc clips. That was fairly easily remedied though. It's not quite as "rugged" as my old BT "Meter Multifunction" (I had an analogue "Meter Multirange" as well) but then again it's not going to get the same hammering that those got, at work.
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Re: Soldering
Thanks for all of the brilliant responses chaps!
I have found the research into soldering irons interesting; some real expensive crap out there. I am probably going for a Hakko FX888D. Looks like it has been designed by a 2 year old, but is apparently quite good.
What solder do you guys like? I've been told to use 60 40 Leaded Rosin No Clean. Does that sound right?
I have found the research into soldering irons interesting; some real expensive crap out there. I am probably going for a Hakko FX888D. Looks like it has been designed by a 2 year old, but is apparently quite good.
What solder do you guys like? I've been told to use 60 40 Leaded Rosin No Clean. Does that sound right?
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Re: Soldering
That multimeter looks insane! Does it make you a brew as well?slinger wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 1:02 pm For what it's worth, I also bought one of these multimeters fairly recently. It's fairly solid, and my only complaint is that it didn't come with croc clips. That was fairly easily remedied though. It's not quite as "rugged" as my old BT "Meter Multifunction" (I had an analogue "Meter Multirange" as well) but then again it's not going to get the same hammering that those got, at work.
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Re: Soldering
George Hincapie wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 4:34 pmThat multimeter looks insane! Does it make you a brew as well?slinger wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 1:02 pm For what it's worth, I also bought one of these multimeters fairly recently. It's fairly solid, and my only complaint is that it didn't come with croc clips. That was fairly easily remedied though. It's not quite as "rugged" as my old BT "Meter Multifunction" (I had an analogue "Meter Multirange" as well) but then again it's not going to get the same hammering that those got, at work.
No, but if you make one it will tell you how hot it is. It actually comes with a thermocouple.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
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Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
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Re: Soldering
So I see! I can't believe how much capability has been packed into one box!
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Re: Soldering
I am going to buy the Antex XS25 mains iron now to get started. I'll see if I can get the Hakko reduced over Black Friday. I can buy it now but it would irritate if I see it for sale in a few weeks.
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