soldering iron
 

I was looking at the TK950 and stumbled upon a WES51 for cheap. The TK950 is $80 and the WES51 is $60. Which one do you guys recommend?

Not sure your choices are already mentioned but there are some topics about solder irons

https://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-e...uggestion.html

https://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-e...ectronics.html

https://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-e...ring-iron.html

https://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-e...er-%24100.html

Out of those two I'd choose the trackpower iron for the slightly higher wattage and the two included tips. If you do go for the weller, make sure to pick up a larger chisel tip too. Get a genuine tip, not one of the ebay multi packs.

I have had the TK950 Trakpower for several years. Works flawless. Out of all the RC related stuff I have bought over the years a soldering station was one of the best investments.

My son was very impressed with my station. It' a great tool to have. On the recommendation from our shop/track he picked up a Hakko FX888D. The shop didn't even carry that brand but raved about how good it was. It is also a very nice station.

I say invest a few extra dollars. It is something you will use for years.

I have a Hakko FX888D and am very happy with it. Money well spent.

Price doesn't matter, I've been running a cheap $20 iron that I got from Radio Shack roughly 8 years ago, just make sure you get a quality chisel tip, I'm using a TENMA chisel tip for my iron where the same tip is close to 5 years old, the tip is more important than the iron ;)

Biggest difference between my radio shack special and a 'descent' iron for me is just the instant heat, and its easier to handle since it offboards the bulky stuff to a box. Both work. Though for like $30 you can get a digital one from china..

That makes sense, it takes a couple of minutes for the cheapo iron to heat up, I usually plug it in first, then it is typically ready to go by the time I walk to the opposite end of the house to moisten the sponge, so no real loss of time in my case, but when at the race track if trying to make a quick repair when seconds make the difference, it can certainly be justification to have an iron that heats up within seconds :)

I just came across a jbc iron and let me tell you this thing heats instantly it’s way to much for my needs

What wattage iron are you guys using for soldering battery connectors and motor wires? I've got a few different irons, but I find it difficult to get enough heat into these larger connectors and larger wire gauges fast enough to get my soldering done without running the risk of collateral damage.

In my video post #6 above, I showed a 50W iron soldering 10AWG wire no problem, the key is using a chisel tip that is at least the same width of the wire you are working with ;)

Cost is irrelevant... that was a $20 iron with a $5 chisel tip and $8 soldering stand

I'm using a 60W iron and it's been plenty for 1/10th scale projects. I don't think it would be a problem for 1/8th scale either.

Thanks. I think my biggest iron is a 40 watter. It's ok on 12AWG and on XT60s, but I'm going to be playing with a Mamba Monster X, 10AWG and XT90 connectors soon, so I want to have something sufficient. I suppose I can try the 40 watter first and take it from there.

I've had a Weller WE1010 in my wishlist for ages. I should just break down and buy it and a new set of tips soon. I use the Wellers at work and they're fantastic.

I've been using this Hakko for years. I got it from Home Depot and it works perfectly. I just did replace the tip, had to order it through Home Depot and took 3 days to be shipped to the store. Cost for the tip was under $4.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hakko-60...ED-P/204215957

Won't hurt to give your 40W a shot. I will say, the iron tip makes a huge difference as billdelong has mentioned. If you don't have multiple tips (and a cleaner), that should be something to consider. However, if you are contemplating the Weller, wait and just buy the tips for the Weller. ;)