trebor Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 I need a new soldering Iron so I can do small things and looked around at the new digital display ones. Are they any good ? **LINK** Then i saw this saw this **LINK** Its years since I had to buy an iron, things have come along way for sure. I could do with a heat gun for covering film, would this be any good ? Anyone got one ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuban8 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Might be worth thinking about a used Weller Soldering Station or just a Weller TCP mains soldering iron - quite a few on Ebay. Much too expensive brand new for hobby use, unless electronics are your thing and of course spare tips etc are readily available. A decent soldering iron makes the job so much easier - still have mine after 35 years. Edited By Cuban8 on 16/01/2016 11:45:52 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trebor Posted January 16, 2016 Author Share Posted January 16, 2016 I know what you mean about quality, Weller prices did put me off a bit. The only irons I have are either on or off and a bit big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuban8 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Yes, you're looking at a few hundred for a Weller station, but the mains irons are also temperature controlled (vital) and worth spending the extra. **LINK** Might be worth a bid on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 If you don't bother with the heat gun, as they are a waste of space, the savings can go on a decent soldering iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trebor Posted January 16, 2016 Author Share Posted January 16, 2016 Oh that heat gun would be good for shrink tube and wing covering maybe setting spots of glue firm. I might use it more than the iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gangster Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 I have been a fan of the Weller TCP irons for 40 years (24 v version). I remember when they were black not blueI could say I still have my original but that would be like Trigger saying he has the same broom. Certainly had a new handle new lead and at least 2 thermostats they are not cheap but versatile and could save a fortune in different irons. By simply changing the bit the same iron will do the finest surface mount electronics and two minutes later will be doing metalwork with tin plate or brass or soldering together an undercarriage bound with copper wire you don't need a fancy soldering station to change temperature just different temperature and different sized bits. the bits last for ages but keep an eye on the thermostat. They can pack up (after. Years of regular use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Skilbeck Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 What do you plan to solder with it, I use a 100w iron for power electrical connectors (Deans etc) and a 25w one for small wires (servo extension leads etc). Is 60w enough for what you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trebor Posted January 16, 2016 Author Share Posted January 16, 2016 I've got 2 old irons for big stuff, I need something like this for flight controllers, tiny things I might have to get a magnifying glass for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Hargreaves - Moderator Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 You'll need a fairly low wattage iron for that sort of work then trebor & a small bit too..... Weller are undoubtedly excellent but not cheap.....other soldering stations are available should you decide to go that route....see here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gangster Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Just to clarify the last post of mine. The thermostats as I called them are in fact magnetic switches. The temp is controlled by changing the bit Edited By gangster on 16/01/2016 13:07:51 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy48 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Posted by trebor on 16/01/2016 12:43:14: Oh that heat gun would be good for shrink tube and wing covering maybe setting spots of glue firm. I might use it more than the iron. It will be far too hot for those application. It is for desoldering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luther Oswalt Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Has anyone experience with Resistance Soldering where you only heat the area you wish to solder and no other? They are expensive but look like they would be great for model work! Description Resistance Soldering -- the Easy, Professional Way to Solder This will be one of the most useful tools you'll ever purchase for model building. It will save you countless hours and make soldering a far less tedious and difficult task. How it works: Just hold the electrode to the part to be soldered and depress the foot switch. The power supply passes a safe low voltage, high amperage electrical current through the part, instantly heating it to soldering temperatures. Apply solder, then release the foot switch. The bond is complete -- in just seconds! The heat is generated only in the workpiece, so other pieces you've already soldered won't fall off. And since you dial-in the amount of heat you need at the power supply, you can solder everything from the tiniest etched parts to heavy castings. A resistance soldering unit concentrates heat at the joint, so it will heat larger work than will a conventional soldering iron of the same power. Use for soldering power feeds to model railroad track (the fast, pinpoint concentration of heat won't melt nearby plastic ties), brass trestle construction, turnout fabrication, rail joining, brass scratch-built items, ship model railings, fittings and more. Works on any material that can be soldered. American Beauty brand made in the USA to heavy-duty industrial standards. Order your high-performance resistance soldering outfit today for the fastest, easiest, cleanest solder joints you've ever seen. Complete Resistance Soldering Outfit includes 100W, 120v AC power supply, single electrode handpiece, clip lead, and foot switch. A 220v AC version is also available. See #85075B below. Click HERE to see a great article on resistance soldering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Hargreaves - Moderator Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 No direct experience of this method Luther but it was the recommended way of soldering wires to military connectors when I worked for a large military connector manufacturer. I believe it works very well indeed but a lot more expensive than a soldering iron.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trebor Posted January 16, 2016 Author Share Posted January 16, 2016 Posted by Andy48 on 16/01/2016 17:00:17: Posted by trebor on 16/01/2016 12:43:14: Oh that heat gun would be good for shrink tube and wing covering maybe setting spots of glue firm. I might use it more than the iron. It will be far too hot for those application. It is for desoldering. Looks like they can drop the voltage down to a 100 deg C which would be ok for shrink tube and covering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy48 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Its your money, but I normally use a much lower heat for the heat gun. I suspect you will soon burn through covering. The max Solarfilm will take with an iron is 120 degrees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trebor Posted January 16, 2016 Author Share Posted January 16, 2016 I tested the other half`s hair dryer for temperature inside the nozzle at maximum temp, it reached 95 deg c. Holding the blower nozzle away from the item being heated it should be ok. Plus you can take the nozzle off so it would be less concentrated in one spot. Edited By trebor on 16/01/2016 22:13:45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaunie Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Love the Weller gear but as mentioned they are expensive, mine need repair at the moment after many years of use. I have two Xytronic stations on my bench at the moment (with different size tips) and a Skytronic at home, all have been great. I would say a minimum of 45W preferably 60W, remember overheating is not a problem as the thermostat deals with that (any iron without a thermostat should have its lead cut off and be pushed in the ground as a model restraint). It's all about getting the heat in the joint promptly so that it wets out fully before the heat spreads where you don't want it. One of the best irons I have ever used is a Weller iron intended for surface mount work. It was no thicker than a fountain pen but rated at 90W! Off to soldering temp in 7 seconds! CPC have a good range at sensible prices. Be wary of irons that say temperature controlled, make sure they are thermostatic as there are some out there that basically have a lamp dimmer on them, trust me they are not the same thing. Shaunie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Hi Trebor, As with all tools, Buy the best you can. A few weeks ago, I bought a soldering station, which allows me to control the heat. It is truly a wondrous thing. Re a heat gun, you have no real control of the temperature, and as all true shrinkers know, temperature is the key to a neat job, and minimum sagging I use a wee gas torch for heatshrink tubing Go on treat yourself. ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trebor Posted January 17, 2016 Author Share Posted January 17, 2016 I have always used a lighter for shrink tube myself, I saw a video of those hand fan blower units and was not impressed so I might pop to Maplins next week as they have a couple of soldering irons with good write ups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Berriman Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Have you thought about a Gas soldering system Maplin's do a nice one two options Maplin's or Iroda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin McIntosh Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Wellers used to be the bees` knees but they are expensive and old hat now. You cannot go wrong with a Duratool one from CPC, catalogue No. SD01117 for 48 pounds. These are good enough to use professionally. The various spare tips etc. cost peanuts. Get the full range of tips for about 7 pounds. (sorry, this is an American keyboard and does not have a `Pound` key!). I drafted out a full article on the subject but it will not now be published. It may be possible for me to send a copy to anyone genuinely interested if they pm me but please do not inundate me with requests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onetenor Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 I have found the Bang Good site good for all of these irons and stations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Laughton Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Santa brought me a butane powered Dremel iron but I haven't find it up yet - will let you know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Grant 1 Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 My heavy duty soldering iron that I inherited from my Dad has just burnt out and I need to get another one for soldering 8swg wire for undercarriage legs. Is the best idea just to get a 100w+ one with a heavy tip or are the ones with a wire loop like the Weller or Fuller ones OK? There is a Fuller brand on sale here (in NZ) available for a good price with a neat storage case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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