So what is the difference in performance in a solder station and a home depot soldering iron?The guys at the hobby shop use a trackpower one and it takes 2 seconds to heat up the wire and the solder.
They use this one:
http://www.amain.com/rc-cars/trakpower-tk-950-soldering-station-tkpr0950/p204594
How come a Home Depot one sucks so bad and takes forever to heat the wire and solder. I used to use the Home Depot one but was so afraid to ruin an ESC or motor, I just had the guys at the LHS do all my stuff. It gets annoying though because I change my stuff a few times a year and am SUPER particular about things. So why does this one suck? What is the difference? I would really love to not need to spend $100 on Something I use twice a year...
http://www.mouser.com/Search/m_ProductDetail.aspx?Apex-Tool-Group-Formerly-Cooper-Tools%2fSP40NUS%2f&qs=nEU6uhM%2fBosXhx%252byWVUSAQ %3d%3d&kpid=947313453&gclid=CJLzgPTwqsUCFVGTfgod1H 0AGA

I used a $7 hobbico iron for years that worked better than those Home Depot wellers . I also picked up solder that melts at a lower temp than most of the home depot stuff. Has made my solder game 10 times better . You do not need a high dollar station , but get better solder and a 60watt iron

It really comes down to Wattage rating differences between the two irons. The Trackpower iron also has a temp sensor so that as you use the iron and it loses temp, the iron kicks back on to keep the temp where it should be. Ultimately, a good soldering station is an investment in your enjoyment of the hobby. I've had my station for almost 10 years now, and I will never go without a nice soldering station again.

For $70 new the Trackpower TK950 will make soldering an easy task. Not only does it build heat quickly but it is able to maintain the heat once soldering work has begun. The TK950 is either a private labeled HAKO 936 or a knock of it depending on who you talk to. I'm of the knock off opinion, but a rather decent knock off.

Its true you can use a cheaper iron but it has just been my experience that I get cleaner results, quicker and with less frustration once I moved to a higher quality iron. A better iron can help make up for less experience. A skilled solderer can probably make anything work, I am not so skilled. The better iron made a job I once hated into one that is quite enjoyable.

.02

http://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-el...ef-lesson.html This guy knows what he's talking about, and explains soldering irons in here.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPR36&P=ML

++

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXBMKM&P=ML

soldering made easy and cheap...

also a nice soldering iron holder is a must have (imho best part of a soldering station lol)

http://www.radioshack.com/soldering-...r%2Biron&sz=12

small gauge solder makes our work alot easier, as 95% of the soldering we do is wires, also a 60w iron is perfect for our hobby.

http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack...l#.VUkFeJPCY_o

was what i used to use for solder, but now that radio shack is closing all over my area... i found the trakpower solder is a suitable substitute.

Differences to be aware of:

Tip size. A lot of RC wiring is relatively large wire compared to electronic/breadboard type projects. A good sized chisel tip with some mass to it helps maintain tip temperature. A smaller tip is better for circuit work, rewiring a servo for example.

Control. Good stations control the temp. Yes sufficient temp is needed, but too much is also bad.

Thermal power. Support the tip size and control.

Technique is more important, but good tools make it easier. + on Marine6680's sticky thread at the top of the forum, great info.

Goot PX-200 - 70w soldering station in a very compact format.

I just bought a used Hakko 936 and could not be happier ,The stick irons work fine but if you want the job to go easier and your in it for the long haul then get a station.Ill never go back,station heat up good and fast .Correct solder helps alot like the other membe suggested.Very good point