Gentlemen, What constitutes the perfect soldering station for our hobby and scale? I'm concerned that if I buy a 20 or 30 watt item it may not be able to do the job fully but on the other hand I dont want to over capitalise on one either. So, what wattage range and what heat range works best for us N scalers?
Here is a review with links: Summary of available soldering stations This company seems to have good products at low cost: http://www.circuitspecialists.com/ Here is a link to a Hakko that will do the job: Hakko 936ESD: Hakko 936 / 936-12 ESD Safe Soldering Station, Variable Temperature, ESD-Safe I have heard that the Weller stations are not that reliable and for the same money a customer can do better.
Well it sort of depends on what you're going to do. If all you want to do is small wire soldering and attaching track feeder wires, then a smaller, say 25-35 watt iron will do the job. I've got several different sized irons for different size work. A 35 watt for small work, track feeder wires, circuit boards(electronic work) and such. Also have a 75 watt iron for bigger work, under layout wiring, etc. I have a Weller Instant-On 150-210 watt(I think) for BIG wiring, soldering work. Also I have a propane torch, but only used for house work, copper pipe, heating stuff up and lighting fireworks(LOL[it DOES the job!]). The small iron(35 watt) is just about the minimum to be used around track work. It will melt ties when you attach feed wires, but will give you the time to do the job. Heat sinks are the key to attaching feed wire to any track work. You can use ANY size iron for many jobs, I could attach feed wires with the Weller 210 watt iron, but I would have everything ready when I apply the heat. Wires/rails tinned beforehand, heat sinks in place and be able to get in and get out with just a moments application of heat. Too much heat will fry ties in 1/2 second using a BIG iron. That why I say use a smaller iron on track work. One thing to do is PRACTICE on some spare track work, before you jump into the track on the layout. One item I use is a soldering iron holder. You can get them at MICRO-MARK http://www.micromark.com for keeping your iron from rolling around the work bench. After you grab a HOT iron with your bare hand once or twice you will invest in one!
We have had really good luck with the Radio Shack variable temp digital solder station at the shop. It is adjustable from 300-850 deg. At home, I use the big Weller gun for just about everything. If you are comfortable with it, bigger is better. I would rather have a gun that is too hot, than one that is not hot enough. If the iron can't heat up the joint in a second or two, the wire, rail, etc. is just soaking up the heat and you will melt things farther away from the joint plus not have a good strong joint. Edit - After looking at Radio Shack for a link, it looks like they changed suppliers of their temperature controled iron. Not sure about this one: RadioShack.com - Cables, Parts & Connectors: Tools & soldering equipment: Soldering tools & supplies: Digital Soldering Station
Harbor Freight had a soldering station on sale for about 35 dollars. I have one but have not tried it out as I am still using my old one. I find that a soldering station with the adjustable temps and a resistance soldering unit cover all the things I have to do. The station is great for "sweat" soldering and the resistance for things like bridges.
I think the resistance soldering is better for track work. If your using commercial track you can apply the heat just in the area you want it and not do too much damage to the plastic ties. When I used to hand lay track I found the the resistance unit made it much easier.
I have a couple I use. one is a black and decker with two temp settings. I like it alot. for who said Weller is not reliable, well, it may be true for the new units, but I used to be a huge weller fan, and use, and still have as well as use, an old weller station. I have used it for 30 years, and I am not sure how old it was when I got it. It was one we used in our shop when I was an aircraft electrician in the USAF. The shop got new ones, and a few of us took our old ones home, which it the one I am taking about. Still solders well for a 30+ year old weller.. :tb-cool:
IIRC, someone bought Weller. I don't know how the newer units perform. [edit] Perhaps this is what I am thinking of?
the PERFECT system would be a resistance soldering unit. Kind of expensive, but if you are looking for the BEST, then this is the way to go.
wow, this is timely. My old weller station just kicked the bucket Anyone have any experience with the < $50 models? Is it just too good to be true? I'm mainly looking for something small, to do decoder and/or pc board work.
I have the older Radio Shack variable temp, I think it's 150 W, works great for most general railroad work. Too big for putting wires on a decoder though. Sadly, I think perhaps you need more than one tool. A 15-20W really small pencil iron for things like wires on decoders and motors, a 100-200W large unit for soldering wiring (12ga wire soaks up a lot of heat) and basic trackwork, and if you want to solder like a pro, a resistance unit for trackwork, brass kits, etc. Also, don't forget, flux is more important than the soldering iron in many applications.
Radio Shack One of the problems with Radio SHack is getting replacement tips. (Read consumer reviews). I had a two setting RS station and used it a good bit. Finally needed a new tip. They didnt have. Read reviews and everyone complained they couldnt find a replacement tip.
I don't know if I would go so far as to say it is "perfect," but I've been using this Weller station and it works very nicely for a reasonable price: http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/query.cgi?query=wlc100 The ST5 and ST7 tips are great for precise soldering.
Yeah, but I also note that the first review listed shows the manufacturer and the original model that was rebranded for Radio Shack, so you should be able to find the replacement tips by just looking for that model.
The previous Radio Shack unit was black and a different unit. Standard 1/4 screw in tips fit it easily. For the RC (Radio Control) guys, the Hakko unit's are the most popluar right now. The best ever was the Ungar UTC300 Race Station. I loved mine but with the Cooper Tools take over of Weller and Ungar, they discontinued the line and the parts are non existant. My reason for caution on the new Radio Shack was the comments about tip replacement on their site.
I use this for soldering electronics - leds, circuits etc. It's an Aoyue Re-Work Station. And my RSU for soldering brass and track.
Thank you all for your answers. It appears there is no such thing as a Perfect soldering station. However, from what I've learned from your answers, I have decided to purchase one with about 40W and 150-450 degree C. capabilities. Once again Gents, Thank you. :thumbs_up:
I have a Ungar UTC200 and love it. When I finally did need a tip I cross referenced it with Weller and found many different tips for it.
Rob - I think the most important thing is not to go too cheap. That Weller I posted a link to (~$40) is probably at the low end of acceptable products. I used to buy the Radio Shack cheapos at ~$7 and never liked the results. The tips were bulky for fine soldering, and the finish on the tips would degrade after only a couple of uses. I think the quality and availability of tips is the key. Anyone can make a 40 watt heater (watts are watts), but the tip is "where the rubber meets the road." Good luck.
