Iv used the same cheap ol 40 watt orange weller soldering iron that I got from home depot for the last 10 years.... I think it was $10? Works flawlessly... turns solder into liquid instantly.

The key to soldering, is the solder itself. Go to radioshack and get yourself their radio shack brand 60/40 rosin core solder, and life will be easy.

I just hope I can find tips locally or the station locally.

That's the solder I've had for at least 20 years now..... never have had to buy more either.

I use a Hakko 936 I've had for several yrs and a 60watt Weller left from building packs.

I would stay away from the 936 clones, I've read a lot of complaints about having trouble with them, particularly the Team Checkpoint clone.

i have had good luck with Weller-WLC100

48 from sears

This isn't the most budget friendly, but if you get into more than just R/C, or would like to have most of your electrical needs in one package, the LAB1U setup over at Ramsey Electronics is great. I'd provide a link, but I'm too much of a noob.

Local hobby shop here uses the WLC100 and love it.

My last Weller burned out - I had to pick up an iron in a pinch (LHS was closed). Picked one up @ my local RadioShack store:http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=4342791

It's enough to solder 3 & 4mm bullets, up to 12AWG battery and BL motor wire, and Deans / Sermos connectors. I was planning on picking up a more expensive unit - but since this one has been working fine; I will just wait until
it burns up or stops working.

WLC100 is $39.99 and there's a $10 rebate......

Another Hakko 936 user here as well. This is by far the best soldering kit I have ever used and gets plenty hot so you do not damage any electronics while soldering.
I realize this one has recently been discontinued? I believe I just saw one at nitrohouse but not sure if it is truly available or not.
Only thing is I did not care for the cheesy flame graphics that came with it not like this is really an issue and it was a simple cheap fix from ordering a customized kit from upgrade-rc but still an absolutely amazing soldering station.
...been using it for about 4 months now and zero issues even soldering very small parts.

My WLC100 definitely gets the job done, I've had it for years and I've used it quite a lot (though only recently for RC applications). One thing I will say is if you get this iron and want to do larger gauge wire, get the ST4 tip. If you want to do small electronics work, get the ST7 conical tip. The included tip (ST3) isn't good for much as far as I can tell.

But it's still not as nice as the WES51 or the 936, and though I haven't seen the FX888 I'm sure it's the same story there too. They get hot faster, they recover quicker, they look cooler... but they cost twice as much.

Oh, and one thing that's pretty annoying about the WLC100 is the holder for the pencil, it doesn't stay in the base of the station very well so it's always popping off at what seems to be the WORST possible time.

This man knows his irons. Expensive, but 2nd to none.

Here is what I use:
Weller WESD51 Digital Soldering Station <--

*

I purchased a Checkpoint TC-950 soldering station over a year ago. Put it to use a lot and am really happy with it. Seems identical to the Hakko 936 that's discontinued. The TrakPower TK-950 also appears to be an identical unit.

Is there any updates on new irons since this thread is a few years old?

I have owned several different soldering irons over the past 24 years or so. All were relatively inexpensive ones so I don't have experience with any of the high end ones. But out of all that I've ever had, by far the best one is the current one I bought from Hobbyking- http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...arehouse_.html

It heats up quickly and works very well. I like the adjustable range which is perfect for rc use.

I got 2 of these a few years ago. One I used daily racing slot cars & the other for RC. I put a Hakko tip on both & they still work like new.