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.

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