Which Iron?

[Leevibe]

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

[alanp]

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.)

[AntKnee]

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.

[flanagan0718]

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

[culturejam]

First: RadioShack POS iron
Then: Xytronic 379
Current: Hakko 888
Want: Big ole Hakko station with pencil and SMD tweezers/rework

[rullywowr]

First was something like this...well maybe not that old but you get the idea:   

Instruction Manual:
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):




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.

[culturejam]

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. 

[rullywowr]

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. 

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. 

[culturejam]

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. 

[rullywowr]

808's are sexy!  The 472D station can accept a similar "gun" style iron..the 817.

[alanp]

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.)

[selfdestroyer]

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.

[Shrtyska9]

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

[gtr2]

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

[DutchMF]

- 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