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Post by Tinkerer on May 16, 2020 13:47:53 GMT -5
I have been using Harbor Freights 30 watt soldering irons- they are super cheap $4.49 (not including 20% off coupon), and they work fine for what I do. The downside is that the tips don't last very long, and they don't offer replacement tips for sale. Can anyone recommend a good quality basic soldering iron that has readily available, quality replacement tips?
Thanks!
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on May 16, 2020 14:00:12 GMT -5
I'll show you mine, but I wouldn't recommend it because the price has become obscene (they were less than half this price when I got mine) and other options should be considered... but it might be helpful to explain why I like it. It is hot, and the temperature depends on which tip you use. Most tips are either 700 or 800 degrees, and you can get good sized chisel tips with it. A 3/16" tip at 800 degrees works like a dream for the backs of pots and heavier switches. I also have a separate bit of the same for steaming dents and removing frets. I have a 1/8" bit at 700 degrees that works great for small lugs, and with care works well on circuit board traces, too. I also have a 1/16" 700 degree tip (what it comes with) but kinda prefer the larger ones most of the time. Anything you get, make sure it gets hot (most irons don't assume you're working on backs of pots and stuff - guitar components are old school tech and not the norm) and that you can get some nice chisel tips for it. Heat capacity =/= temperature, and a chisel tip will have way more heat capacity. I'll watch this thread so I can get an idea what to get myself if/when mine gives up the ghost. No way I'm spending that kind of money to replace it... www.amazon.com/Weller-W60P-60Watts-Controlled-Soldering/dp/B0006OBF0Y |
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on May 16, 2020 15:31:12 GMT -5
I use a Hakko FX951. It's stupid expensive, but worth it because I do a lot of soldering. It is temperature controllable, thermal recovery is super fast, it's a cinch to change tips in mid stream (they snap in and out), and it goes to sleep when it's placed in the stand. Worth every penny.
But you cannot go wrong with a Weller. I used a Weller station for many years and it served me well.
Better soldering tips have an iron coating on them; it wears off over time, but cleaning the tip with anything abrasive is instant death because that removes the iron plating from the copper, and the copper corrodes a whole lot faster.
Many folks use a wet sponge or damp paper towel to clean the tip as they work. This also accelerates erosion of the iron plating due to repeated thermal shock (hot, then cold). The best thing to use is coarse brass or bronze wool. You poke the tip into it and it cleans off the tip without damaging it. It also does not cool the tip, causing the iron to have to 'catch up' on the heat.
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Post by LTB on May 16, 2020 22:09:42 GMT -5
I too use the Weller W60 with 1/8" Chisel tip on the iron. We used them at work and I bought mine about 3 years ago because they quickly come to set temperature that is adjustable. Love it. The Hakko I understand is a great alternative that I considered but went with what I have because I was familiar with it.
Suggest you get a pair of Hemostats (about $10) to clamp at the base of the wire lug so as to heatsink it when soldering (set iron to medium heat if adjustable or use 30watt iron) so you do not overheat. When soldering to the back of the pot I set the iron near highest (if not adjustable iron then use 50-60watt) so that quickly tin the area to solder the wire on back of the pot tin the end of the wire and then quickly solder and get off it so you do not overheat the pot and damage it.
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Post by Tinkerer on May 16, 2020 23:58:34 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. How long do your soldering iron tips last before you have to replace them? I'm trying to figure out what is most cost effective for the kinds of things I do. The Harbor Freight irons I have been using meet my needs fine. They cost me about $4 a piece - I use one until the trip is no longer serviceable, and then recycle it and replace it with a new one, but I probably only get max 10 to 15 hours per tip. I use a brass wool for cleaning.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on May 17, 2020 3:59:28 GMT -5
Sounds like those Horrible Fright soldering tips are not iron plated; they should be lasting a whole lot longer than what you're getting from them.
Have you seen Big Clive's analysis on the cheap MIC stations from Fleabay? He says they're pretty good if you want to save some pesos:
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on May 17, 2020 4:54:48 GMT -5
This is the Hakko 951 I use most of the time. The green and blue stick at the bottom is the Hakko. The huge stick is what I use for soldering grounds to steel amp chasses and other big chunky work; it's a craftsman-branded beast from the 1970s. The handle on it is the same size as the hand grip on a motorcycle   |
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on May 17, 2020 8:48:39 GMT -5
I've never had to replace a tip. I use a sponge, and re-tin frequently. I also rarely use RoHS, and I think that might be the big difference. The flux in RoHS seems to be more brutal.
As I mentioned earlier, I have a separate tip for non-soldering stuff like steaming dents and removing frets. I could do it all with one without damaging it, but it is just easier for upkeep. Sometimes after doing a bunch of non-electronic stuff with a tip it can take forever to re-tin.
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Post by Auf Kiltre on May 17, 2020 12:49:25 GMT -5
I have proudly maintained mediocre soldering skills since the late 1970's. While the entirety of my work would be too embarrassing to post on a board where Pinetree is a member, I have never had a solder joint fail (yet, anyway). My basic soldering iron has seen better days and I just ordered/received this in replacement. 
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on May 17, 2020 13:11:40 GMT -5
Holy Hot Metal, Batman! It's the triangle UFO! All those reports are just God doing some soldering? Who knew?  |
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on May 17, 2020 13:53:09 GMT -5
Is that a chisel tip or needle tip? It might work pretty well, actually.
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Post by Auf Kiltre on May 17, 2020 14:00:24 GMT -5
Is that a chisel tip or needle tip? It might work pretty well, actually. Chisel. Hmmm, I didn't even realize that. Always used needle. Could work well for pots, anyway. |
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on May 17, 2020 14:05:38 GMT -5
It'll take some getting used to, but you'll like the chisel more. It has more mass, which means more thermal mass, which means it loses heat when touching a component significantly slower, even if the starting temperature is the same. It means on and off of components much faster. I use chisels as much as I can. Even with through hole PCB, I'll use a 1/8" chisel at 700 degrees.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on May 17, 2020 17:18:27 GMT -5
Chisel user here too. For small joints (even SMT repairs) I use one corner of the chisel.
The pencil-point style can't sink enough heat into the joint fast enough unless the temp is cranked up. Keeping the iron on a small part too long can cook it or lift a trace on a board. On wire terminals such as in a guitar circuit it's not that critical, but it still is good to keep contact as short as possible.
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Post by LTB on May 18, 2020 0:15:49 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. How long do your soldering iron tips last before you have to replace them? I find tips do not last long on Non Temperature controlled irons as they tend to get overheated especially if left plugged in. My Weller Temp controlled Soldering station/iron also turns off after a period of non use (as it does just sitting in the holder or whatever you use) |
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Post by Larry Madsen on May 18, 2020 10:12:29 GMT -5
I use this little Aoyue 469. It's variable power 60w … removable tip (I need more assorted tips). The price for the unit is only about $30.00. It has never let me down in any way yet.   DSC_2185 by Larry Madsen, on Flickr Yes, as usual for me, I had to build a box for it and it's related accessories.  |
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on May 18, 2020 11:04:08 GMT -5
I like that custom flip-top box. Nice!
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Post by Larry Madsen on May 18, 2020 11:28:33 GMT -5
Thanks Peegoo. I have a related question, but just looking for a quick answer … not to hijack. As mentioned above, I need tips. It seems the tips are quite universal to many brands. Most are advertised as being for Hakko, but indicate they will work with many others including my Aoyue. Is there anything more to consider on this before I sink a massive fortune of about $10.00 into tips? |
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Post by funkykikuchiyo on May 18, 2020 12:51:57 GMT -5
Another question for Peegoo for the sake of this discussion: Have you tried the less expensive Hakko station baby brother to yours? FX-888 or FX-888D, not sure if there is a difference. It is significantly less cash, and cheaper than the Weller I use (a further point about the weller I linked to above is that it doesn't come with a stand, so there is an additional hidden cost), so as long as it gets hot enough/has good enough recovery for clunky guitar pots, it might fully render my Weller obsolete. I'm not in the market personally, but for anyone else in this thread, it might be good to know. For science!
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sirWheat
Wholenote
For a better future, play Stevie Wonder for your children.
Posts: 318
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Post by sirWheat on May 18, 2020 17:42:01 GMT -5
I have a Hakko 936, like the one in the video posted above. It works great for me, I do guitar stuff and occasional other things. I recall when the FX-888 came about and it got very positive reviews. Big Clive has another review of the knock-off version of that one as well. The Chinese version of mine goes for less than forty bucks, I paid a hundred maybe ten years ago. You don't have to spend much if you don't want to.
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Post by Pinetree on May 18, 2020 20:34:55 GMT -5
Hakko FX-888 (the older analog version), FX-601, and a couple of Wellers here.
The Hakkos are a joy to use.
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Post by LTB on May 18, 2020 20:43:06 GMT -5
I like that custom flip-top box. Nice! Same here, that gives me ideas to make one for my Weller and soldering tools etc to replace the cardboard box mine is in. |
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Post by Larry Madsen on May 19, 2020 11:33:38 GMT -5
Same here, that gives me ideas to make one for my Weller and soldering tools etc to replace the cardboard box mine is in. Well, If I am giving you ideas maybe I ought to give a better look.  DSC_2186 by Larry Madsen, on Flickr  DSC_2187 by Larry Madsen, on Flickr Edited to add: maybe I better break out that black paint today. I must have been in a rush when I painted it way back when. |
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Post by Tinkerer on May 20, 2020 14:23:15 GMT -5
I ordered an Aoyue 469 and some tips!!
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on May 25, 2020 12:56:39 GMT -5
I've not used the smaller Hakko unit. I'm sure it works as well as the one I have because it uses the same handpiece and tips.
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