I need a soldering Iron.

[KaminKevCrew]

Hey there! I know that the title makes it seem like this is off-topic, but the soldering iron will be used almost exclusively for building my first, and subsequent keyboards!

Now, ideally, I'd be spending between $100 and $150. Anyway, I need a soldering iron for building keyboards! So, does anyone have any makes/models that would be suggested for soldering? From what I've been able to gather, Hakko and Weller are the two brands to look at, but the models are all so confusing... Also, I need to know what tips I should (or shouldn't) be using.

In addition (and therefore, exempt from my Soldering Iron budget) I probably need a desoldering pump, and does anyone have any suggestions for solder?

For the record, I am somewhat experienced with soldering, my dad does it for a living, and I've gone to work with him several times, where he had me help out. Also, we probably had an old temp adjustable Weller, with a digital display and analog temp adjustment, but I can't for the life of me find it, so I figure I might as well get a new one. (also, it's my mom's, and I've moved out, and I don't want to steal hers...)

So, any advice?

I hope it's okay that I posted here... I figure that this is the best place to ask; I hope it isn't too far off topic!

[pr0ximity]

I got an analog Hakko 888 that has been amazing, but I'm probably not the most qualified to speak to longevity or how it would compare to a US-made iron. I'll say going from a $10 Radioshack to the Hakko was an awesome upgrade, and I'd highly recommend it if you're planning to get good use out of it. It made de/re-soldering my Filco a breeze and other miscellaneous projects have been much more pleasant.

[KaminKevCrew]

I got an analog Hakko 888 that has been amazing, but I'm probably not the most qualified to speak to longevity or how it would compare to a US-made iron. I'll say going from a $10 Radioshack to the Hakko was an awesome upgrade, and I'd highly recommend it if you're planning to get good use out of it. It made de/re-soldering my Filco a breeze and other miscellaneous projects have been much more pleasant.

I've been eyeing that one! There are a couple of websites that have 'kits' with 4-7 extra tips. Do you think that would be worth it? Also, do you know if it might be worth it to step up to a higher end hakko? (I know I stated a budget, but I'd say it's not too strict, although I'm definitely not willing to drop a grand on a top of the line/very high soldering iron, since I don't do this for a living...)

[hebbler]

I recently bought an Edsyn 951sxe with the LT374 medium tip that I got at the GeekHackers store.  I use it for keyboard builds and other PCB work.  Heats up super quick and keeps a consistent temperature.  I've been really happy with it. 

http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/soldering-tools-and-supplies/products/edsyn-951sxe

[KaminKevCrew]

I recently bought an Edsyn 951sxe with the LT374 medium tip that I got at the GeekHackers store.  I use it for keyboard builds and other PCB work.  Heats up super quick and keeps a consistent temperature.  I've been really happy with it. 

http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/soldering-tools-and-supplies/products/edsyn-951sxe

Hmmm... What about the edsyn 2020? I know it's really expensive, but I could make a 1 and done purchase...

[tjcaustin]

I have a 2020.  It's rock solid and a great unit but I don't think it's worth the investment at the hobbyist level because of the price of the unit vs the amount of time you'd spend with it powered on.

If you go edsyn, get the 951sxe or 910.  If mkawa is around and not bogged down with life issues, he might be the best help for this overall though.

[KaminKevCrew]

I have a 2020.  It's rock solid and a great unit but I don't think it's worth the investment at the hobbyist level because of the price of the unit vs the amount of time you'd spend with it powered on.

If you go edsyn, get the 951sxe or 910.  If mkawa is around and not bogged down with life issues, he might be the best help for this overall though.

Then I'll stick around for a while for other people's input before I make a purchase.

Besides, you never know, maybe soldering will become more than a hobby here pretty soon http://

[Melvang]

I recently bought an Edsyn 951sxe with the LT374 medium tip that I got at the GeekHackers store.  I use it for keyboard builds and other PCB work.  Heats up super quick and keeps a consistent temperature.  I've been really happy with it. 

http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/soldering-tools-and-supplies/products/edsyn-951sxe

This. 

[Oobly]

Weller WES-51 is a great iron, too, if you can find one. Simple, tough, heats quickly and lots of tips / attachments, etc available at good prices.

I have a Weller WSD-81i which I managed to find on special and it's just fantastic.

[Melvang]

Weller WES-51 is a great iron, too, if you can find one. Simple, tough, heats quickly and lots of tips / attachments, etc available at good prices.

I have a Weller WSD-81i which I managed to find on special and it's just fantastic.

Just stay away from the WLC-100.  That iron is a variable wattage fixed temp.  Heats up slower than a diesel in Alaska.

[umeboshi]

Weller WES-51 is a great iron, too, if you can find one. Simple, tough, heats quickly and lots of tips / attachments, etc available at good prices.

I have a Weller WSD-81i which I managed to find on special and it's just fantastic.

Have a WES-51 also, and survived all the abuse I put it through.  )  Nice to have the temperature dial...

[Data]

Echoing the Edsyn 951sxe.  Going from cheap, fixed-temp irons from the box stores to a quality variable Edsyn is like night & day.  I was blown away by how much easier it was to use.

[brownsound79]

 i am tech doing a lot of soldering & desoldering during the days..😀
a real good advice is.. get the right one for the job..
no need to go for a station.. or desoldering kit..
if you wanna keep ur iron clean & nice and still look good after a years of use.. dont forget those damp soldering sponge..
and switch it off when u not using it..
so far HAKKO is the best for me..  for starter try the Presto/Mach/Dash..

[p1114501510]

Hakko would be great. Lots of guys in China are using Hakko. It's really easy to use, in turn, a little expensive.

[KaminKevCrew]

Yeah. It turns out that there's actually a pretty awesome makerspace near me that I used today. Got the board built! So we will see what happens in the future.

[WolfTickets]

+1 for the Hakko 888D.  I love mine, and wouldn't have chosen differently.   It's usually right around $100 on Amazon.

[KaminKevCrew]

+1 for the Hakko 888D.  I love mine, and wouldn't have chosen differently.   It's usually right around $100 on Amazon.

I'll keep an eye out for it then!

[RenegadeParadox]

I am planning on buying a FX-888D myself for my first upcoming project, followed by my second. From all the reviews I have read its the best most affordable iron that has temp control and is very reliable. I was thinking about getting the cheaper 40$ models from Weller or Aoyue but I don't wanna be cheap on tools as they are an expense that should never skimp on.