I am currently using a weller soldering iron from Sears. Works well for an hour then just doesn't keep hot enough.

example... Attempting to solder batter packs works fine on the + end but the negative side it is an amazing chore.

I believe half of my problem is me the user (being somewhat of a novice at soldering). But in the interest of my sanity, I am looking to replace my iron.

Please recommend the brand AND MODEL. I understand there are many types of wellers.

this is the one I picked up. I believe sears has it rebranded as cooper, but it is a weller.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

In observation I see racers with a blue weller and another brand Hakko. I am looking for either and any possible recommendations.

The Hakko may have been something like this model.
http://www.electroniccity.com/shoppi...49&brandinc=55

Thanks for helping the slow guy.

Get the Hakko there are many Wellers that are good but you can not go wrong with the Hakko.

Rod

What size is the tip on the iron? I have used that iron for the last 5 years, equipped with the large tip though.

For building batteries the bigger the tip the better. I swear by Weller irons, made in the good ol USA and WAY better then any hako I've used. With my weller I only have to touch the iron for a second and it's hot. With the hako in my experience it put too much heat in the cell trying to solder properly.

Do you have a local Fry's Electronics? They carry Weller soldering stations and all the tips.

I am leaning towards a better/hotter iron. But would attempt a new tip. Plus a much cheaper option.

philb - I have the default tip.

Please supply link to the tip that you recommend from the weller site.

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/weller/

Also I see many racers with the blue weller iron. If anyone is using the blue one can you also specify the model. It would be nice if I could keep the base and replace the iron.

I used someone else's Hakko and that for sure does the trick. And I agree with the comment, you can easily overheat the batteries.

Thanks for the quick responses.

hakko 936. you need to get the 3.2mm chisel tip. they also have a 5mm chisel tip. check and see if this place still carries the kester solder 60/40 "44" .031
http://www.kiesub.com/
they have a special 1/2 off shipping over $100.00

My dad has one that is at least 20 years old. It is a Weller. It has no buttons, you just plug it in and it turns on. It takes about 15 minutes to get to its peak heat. I honestly think you dont need a $100 adjustable soldering iron, you just need a decent one that can do the job under 10 seconds.

I use a 100w weller that is about 18 years old, but is finally reaching the end of it's life. It has about a 1/2" wide tip and works great on batteries and motors. I think the new one I just bought was about $80 from Orchard Supply Hardware.

I think it's this one:

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brand...c=037103474278

Okay, you guys are going to laugh but you gotta hear me out.

I've been through the same problem finding a decent iron. Especially for RC applications where you need it hot and reliable.

Most of those high tech irons like the Hakko is made for precision electronics which is why the high price plus bulk. While others like the Weller and the Ungar will work great for a while and then burn out and become difficult to find parts to replace and repair.

I've also gone down the Radio Shack route and their irons were even more crappier. The last iron I had was a 60W Weller that eventually just smolders.

So here it is my current iron, Hobbico Soldering Iron. It heats up quick, it does batteries and motors in a snap. If the tip burns out, it comes with a replacement tip (haven't used mine so far). If the iron completely craps out on you, which hasn't for me, thats okay because it only costs $5.99

I got mine at my local hobby shop who recommended this to me. Sometimes you gotta give them some credit and a little business.

Snap - on 500W model soldering gun.

check this one out.....
http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bi...uct/0460-0004/

I went thru about 4 irons in about a year and a half... Sears and Radio Shack. Tried a 40W Weller, got it at Home Depot and bought two extra tips. About 24 bucks total. Works like a charm and has done so for over a year with racing about once a week.

Weller 80 watt for doing battery assembly...... 3/8" chisel tip.

Weller 40 watt for everything else...... 1/4" chisel tip.

Do you need a base for this type of iron? Just plug into the wall.. not temperature adjustment?

I've been using the 40w Weller for 5 years now. No problems. My best friend uses the Hakko and swears by it, but I can't justify $100 for a soldering iron when the $18 one still works after 5 years. Besides, he lets me use it for free.