ajg

I have a craftsman soldering gun (230/150 watt heavy duty), and wdon't know if I should take it back and get an iron. Is the iron better?

Thanks.

JusBox

iTrader: (1)

guns have their purpose but RC really isn't one of them. Get a good iron like a goot, ungar, etc... a good hobby quality iron. It's frustrating using cheap tools.

mattyk6

Haven't used a Goot or an Unger, but I have used a Weller soldering station and I own a Hakko 936 soldering station. I really like the Hakko and Weller stations.

ajg

Is this good http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...231-273-WPC300

What iron do I need then?

DOMOisCOOL

They made a typo. 300w. lol

Anyways, that 30w iron isn't really enough for RC applications. You want an iron that will go up to 60w.

If you got around 75-85 bucks, get the Hakko 936 Soldering Station.

Edit: I currently have a Hakko Red 503 60w Iron that I got from Fry's for 11.00, and a stand from RadioShack for 8.00. Works great. Downside is that it comes with a fatter tip. If you want variable temperatures, get a station. If you want a cheaper alternative, get a good iron and a stand.

Hondaguy

Just an FYI, Ungar was bought by Weller. So, Ungar no longer exist.

ajg

I don't want to spend alot, since I don't do much soldering.

Would this work?

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...123280-273-P2C

AdrianM

iTrader: (4)

I used to used the big soldering stations. After burning a few up I got a cheap Weller 40 Watt iron from Sears, Lowe's or Home Depot. It has an orange handle and well for ~$15.

It is the best thing I have ever used. It is stupid hot. Building batteries is a breeze and soldering on motor wire or brushes is instant.

40W is the key. Lower (25W-35W) is too cool higher (80W+) is way too hot.

wagonman72

I've been using the same type 40 watt Weller for around 15 years, I've only had to buy 2 of them in that time but also had to replace the tip about 1-2 times a season. They are fantastic!!

lax258

Definitly go for a soldering iron. I agree that Weller is the way to go.

Mabuchi540

I've only got a 30 watt for battery connections (at the plug and on the motor) and that does fine but would need at least twice that for actual soldering of cells.

ajg

Thanks alot guys. I'll try to get the weller

kufman

iTrader: (6)

I hate to go against the crowd, but I have been using a 30 year old soldering gun for RC apps for the last 10 years. It is a weller 90/120 Watt and it works great for batteries, motors, and general wiring. Just my opinion.

Wency_TA03R-PRO

whooaaa!!. that's what we can consider an antique tool for 30yrs and still working?!!.. it really serve its lifetime warranty.