Which iron:
- did you use on your first pedal build? First circuit?
- is your current workhorse?
- are you hoping to get next?
OK, here's mine:
- 1st iron: RS cheapie - GGG TS808
- Current workhorse: Xytronic 379
- Want to get: Xytronic 168-3CD
1st iron: Dick Smith 40W pencil cheapie
Current workhorse: Dick Smith 40W pencil cheapie
Want to get: Dick Smith 40W pencil cheapie (I have a second one stashed in case the first one breaks.)
I'm still using whatever cheap iron came with my beginner setup from BYOC. If I could go back, I wouldn't have gotten that kit. The tools suck, they're all from Harbor Freight, apparently. The strippers they sent are definitely a joke! Fortunately, the iron isn't bad and I like it. I have no plans to replace it.
I use this guy. My wife's sister "borrowed" it form the robotics lab at her collage. It is my current workhorse. Think i might need to replace the tip soon tho. I did use it for my first build, GGG tuned Big Muff
First: RadioShack POS iron
Then: Xytronic 379
Current: Hakko 888
Want: Big ole Hakko station with pencil and SMD tweezers/rework
First was something like this...well maybe not that old but you get the idea: :P
(http://www.stevenjohnson.com/soldering/pics/american-beauty-3158.jpg)
Instruction Manual:
http://www.stevenjohnson.com/soldering/data/american-beauty-flier-8-47.pdf (http://www.stevenjohnson.com/soldering/data/american-beauty-flier-8-47.pdf)
Current is Weller WESD51 station and Hakko 472D desoldering station (very happy with these):
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/content_26/Q2_2009/cooper-B000ARU9PO-1-lg.jpg)
(http://www.kiesub.com/catalog/hakko-472d.jpg)
For a future iron...not really a need (as I am satisfied with my current setup) but a Metcal or a Hakko would be cool.
(http://www.ewdsolutions.com/customer/elwida/images/items/OKI-Soldering-Rework.jpg)
Quote from: rullywowr on January 31, 2014, 04:08:58 PM
Future iron...not really a need (as I am satisfied with my current setup) but a Metcal or a Hakko would be cool.
Whoa. Does that thing solder AND desolder all in one? If it does, I'm in love. ;D
Quote from: culturejam on January 31, 2014, 04:10:52 PM
Quote from: rullywowr on January 31, 2014, 04:08:58 PM
Future iron...not really a need (as I am satisfied with my current setup) but a Metcal or a Hakko would be cool.
Whoa. Does that thing solder AND desolder all in one? If it does, I'm in love. ;D
You referring to the 472D? Nah, it's just a desoldering pencil (model 807) however you can solder with it in a pinch if you had to. It's one of my favorite pieces of gear I own, and I use it everytime I am building pedals or working on electronics. Makes it a breeze to swap components, or unsolder pots, etc.
Quote from: rullywowr on January 31, 2014, 04:14:16 PM
Nah, it's just a desoldering pencil (model 808) however you can solder with it in a pinch if you had to.
Ah, I see.
I have the Hakko 808 desoldering gun, and I also sometimes solder with it. It's also probably my favorite piece of gear. :)
808's are sexy! The 472D station can accept a similar "gun" style iron..the 817.
(http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/hakko/images/817-01.jpg)
I've read too many warnings about soldering guns to feel comfortable using a soldering iron that resembles one. (Too early in the day, can't remember the specifics.)
Before I built pedals I did a lot of gaming console mods and had to invest in a good iron.
Cheap Radio Shack kit iron - Bought when I first started tinkering with electronics when I was younger.
Weller WES51 - Bought when I started modding consoles. Temp gauge went out on it and I upgraded to the digital model.
Weller WESD51 - Now my current iron. Has been a workhorse for over 10 years.
First was a cheap radio shack pencil.
Used it to build the karate shop. Currently using my grandfather's Weller wtcp fixed temp station.
As for a new iron I'm not really hip to the new tech and am extremely happy with the Weller so anything comparable.
Sent from my VM670 using Tapatalk 2
Quote from: culturejam on January 31, 2014, 04:16:41 PM
Quote from: rullywowr on January 31, 2014, 04:14:16 PM
Nah, it's just a desoldering pencil (model 808) however you can solder with it in a pinch if you had to.
Ah, I see.
I have the Hakko 808 desoldering gun, and I also sometimes solder with it. It's also probably my favorite piece of gear. :)
It works well for soldering on old fender chassis too 8)
- 1st iron: No-name pencil from Banzai
- Current workhorse: Antex TCS230 pencil
- Want to get: Soldering station by either Weller or Hakko
The No-name served me very well for the first few builds, but decided to stop working all of a sudden. Imagine getting everything ready to build (tools, laptop, parts etc.) and then realizing your iron is not getting hot.... I still work on top of the washing machine, so I was really frustrated that I got everything out from the closet and then couldn't do anything because my iron remained cold!
The Antex is working really well. I haven't heard of anyone else using it, but I like it a lot, quality stuff! If we ever move from our appartment, our nest house will have a dedicated hobby space for both me and Mrs. Dutch, and then I'll get a nice, expensive, last-me-a-lifetime soldering station. Can't wait....
Paul
Quote from: DutchMF on January 31, 2014, 06:38:37 PM
- 1st iron: No-name pencil from Banzai
The one with red handle and a black cap for the tip? I have one of those and used it for 5 min. Then I borrowed my father's JBC 40S, bought a new tip and that's what I've been using so far.
I bought the JBC 20S later for smd and soldering transistors and ICs.
If I ever got enough money to get a soldering station, it'll have to be one of those with interchangeable on the fly (we got a pair of JBCs that can do that at University and they work like a charm for SMD, do you need a bigger tip? then change it in about 15 seconds)
- 1st: Antex 15W that was about 25 years old. I got it originally to make some stuff for my first car. It lasted a good couple of years into making effects.
- Current workhorse: Antex 18W. It's had a new lead, new element and new tip ;) Only the handle is original. It's like the parts-o-caster of irons. I've also got a 25W Weller for stubborn things like guitar wiring.
- Want to get: I'd love one of those all singing, all dancing stations with a similar sucking station. I just can't justify the expense as I do just fine with the Antex and a cheapo sucker.
I started out with the POS Radio Shack iron, and built four pedals with it. Then I moved in with someone who owned a Weller WES51, and have been using that ever since. No complaints!
I had a pos radio shack iron, now I have a seller WESD51, no need for a new one, I love my Weller.
1st - Radio Shack POS. Tip eater.
Current - Weller WD1002 with micro switch stand. Also OKI/Hakko Soldering Tweezer Station.
Want - Metcal Iron Station. Goodbye ceramic heating elements, hello RF!