Need a Soldering Iron
 

I hate to post this here but I searched to no avail.

Going to start doing my own soldering.

Can anyone recommend a decent tool? What do I need? Reasonable price.

I have never tried soldering in my life but it's time to make it happen.

Thanks!

If you plan on doing a lot of soldering... I would suggest a soldering station from Weller. WLC100 is always a good choice. There are many stations to chose from. Just read some reviews on whatever interests you and fits in you buget.

I will just be doing stuff like battery connectors, ESC hookups, motor hookups etc. I only have two 1/8 buggies but both need a new esc and motor.

I would get some good solder. I have been using Kester #66/44 forever, along with Kester's paste flux, and don't forget to pickup a "third hand"...you can find them cheap, or make one, it will save you from frustration and burnt finger tips.

There are many videos on YouTube to view on how to get started. Check out Jang from URC. I know there are links around the forums somewhere I'm sure.

Trak Power TK950, nice iron. I bought it, haven't soldered in 20 years. Once I got the temp correct it made me look like i knew what I was doing.

Then I would just get a basic soldering iron with a flat blade tip like a J&L 60 watt or Weller or Hobbico will do fine.

That's a perfect soldering station! 60 watts; 5 year warranty on control...great stuff!

But I really don't think Joe wants to put forth the $$$ just yet. Like they say..."Get your feet wet first.":)

I've been using the TK950 setup for the better part of the last 4 years. Handles everything from IC chips to 6.5 mm bullets with ease using the supplied tips, and gets up to temp in under a minute. I'm still on the original tips, no sign of damage.

The Weller 40W station on the other hand, I hated every minute I used it. Takes forever to heat up, and can't hold its temp at all (which is critical for 1/8 connectors).

Working with 12 to 10 awg wire:
625 *F for 63/37
650 *F for 60/40
700 *F for silver

Hakko fx888d hands down the best option for a soldering station out now.

Couldn't agree more.

tp950 is great or a older hakko 936 tower hobbies has the track power irions on easy pay its not something u use all the time but makes it so much better when u do need it.

I have a simple 60 watt soldering iron that I picked up from the hobby shop. I believe it's made by hobbico and works perfect for all of the soldering I do (esc, batteries, etc..) and only paid around 10 bucks or so. A soldering station would be nice but I only really need to solder when I get a new ESC or batteries. Plus, it's easy to just wrap up and throw in the tool box for when I need it next.

they have these at a local computer parts store.

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/21-10115

I'm thinking about ditching my weller for it.

Trak Power TK60 soldering iron is a beast, and can actually get too hot. Cost is $15.99, and worth it. Can easily handle the big jobs, no problem. I also have a Hakko FX888D and it is excellent. I had a problem with it until I reset it, and it has been great since then. It can really handle the light stuff with ease. A lot of friends really like the Trak Power soldering station, and every now and then Tower has a great price on them.

JoeW if you didn't already do so, read the "sticky" thread at the top of this forum...How to solder correctly (a not so brief lesson) Plus tips and more...that will get you going in the right direction.