Soldering

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George Hincapie
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Soldering

Unread post by George Hincapie »

Apologies if this is in the wrong place, it's not really an audio question.

I've bought a few electronics kits to put together for another interest of mine, for which I'm in the process of being licenced.

Can anyone recommend a decent soldering iron station? I've had a look online and the choices are bewildering. It will need to be able to do delicate work, as well as being able to deal with thick coax. So either multiple tips, or two separate irons.

Could anyone also recommend a decent multimeter?

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Re: Soldering

Unread post by zebbo »

Don't know about the soldering station but if you want a pukka multimeter get a Fluke.
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Re: Soldering

Unread post by George Hincapie »

zebbo wrote: Mon Oct 21, 2019 11:15 pm Don't know about the soldering station but if you want a pukka multimeter get a Fluke.
I shall have a look, thank you.
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Re: Soldering

Unread post by Vinyl-ant »

A good temperature controlled soldering station would be the type to look for, Weller are a go to brand, something with a readout of the temperature is useful.
I use a precision gold solder station that has replaceable tips, which can be tiny or chisel tips so it can do whatever job is required
I dont think they are made any more though
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Re: Soldering

Unread post by Chunk McDaniel »

Second the Fluke. Had one for 25 years. Still going strong.

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Re: Soldering

Unread post by CaterhamKev »

Didn’t the Doc recommend a Chinese solder station? A search of the archives should find the information.

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Re: Soldering

Unread post by Daniel Quinn »

There all much of a muchness. A soldering station with plenty of tips is my advise.

I also recommend a helping hand tool, it's not just for those with 1 functional hand.

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Re: Soldering

Unread post by slinger »

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... :lol: 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

Unread post by Shevans »

The Doc did buy tools and soldering stations from here at one point...

https://www.rapidonline.com/

Like others use Fluke multimeters and I use Weller Soldering irons / stations.

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Re: Soldering

Unread post by Geoff.R.G »

zebbo wrote: Mon Oct 21, 2019 11:15 pm Don't know about the soldering station but if you want a pukka multimeter get a Fluke.
Fluke 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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