Soldering iron recomendations

[Jethro56]

It's been 30+ years since I've done any PCB work. Any recomendations on a good soldering iron?

 

[recumbent]

I'm also in the market for a new soldering iron, A larger one that can handle ebike size wires.

Sorry Jethro56 I don't have an answer for you, but it's a support bump :wink:

 

[Jethro56]

I have a weller gun maybe 135 watts for soldering wire.(i don't like crimp connectors for Ag use) I use shrink tube / rubbertape. If there's a lot of amps/heat or lugs involved I'll wrap the connection with glass cloth tape to keep the mastic/rubber tape from melting into the lugs.

 

[TylerDurden]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=20905



Edit: removed landmine. ES remains independent.

 

[psycholist]

Here you go. Less than $10! http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=24723

 

[neptronix]

For 8-12 gauge, it is easy to solder even with a tiny radioshack iron.
Tin both ends, and then melt the solder together.

I used this technique to join 5 10ga. wires together. Worked well.

 

[curious]

For small signal work and occasional soldering of 30A andersons the Weller WES-51 soldering station is great. Beyond that there are Weller 100W temperature stabilized soldering irons. Unless you need to do just few connectors I strongly advise against cheap non-regulated irons - the tip will oxidize in no time.

 

[Xrain]

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9672

I'd go with something like this if you are just going to do light to intermediate soldering work. The $10-30 radio-shack or other no-name brand soldiering Irons are a waste of money, as it burns tips away and tends to warp from the heat.


If you are doing something like soldering andersons or some other heavy gauge soldering just use a propane torch and heat up the connector. (out-side of the housing mind you.)
http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-019131-Micro-Pencil-Torch/dp/B0034YNMD6
or
http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-T...f=sr_1_59?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1301215043&sr=1-59
Just be sure you only direct the flame on the connector and not the solder itself.

A tin of solder flux is also an indispensable idem for soldiering, as it helps the solder wick where you want it to and generally make the whole process easier.

 

[Jethro56]

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9672

I'd go with something like this if you are just going to do light to intermediate soldering work. The $10-30 radio-shack or other no-name brand soldiering Irons are a waste of money, as it burns tips away and tends to warp from the heat.


If you are doing something like soldering andersons or some other heavy gauge soldering just use a propane torch and heat up the connector. (out-side of the housing mind you.)
http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-019131-Micro-Pencil-Torch/dp/B0034YNMD6
or
http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-T...f=sr_1_59?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1301215043&sr=1-59
Just be sure you only direct the flame on the connector and not the solder itself.

A tin of solder flux is also an indispensable idem for soldiering, as it helps the solder wick where you want it to and generally make the whole process easier.

Interesting site I went ahead and ordered one Thanks!