Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Moderators: greatmutah, GuitarBilly
- Diocide
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 2578
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 7:41 am
- Location: Hartford, CT
- Contact:
Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Hey. I finally want to upgrade from my pencil style iron and get s small station. Obviously looking at Weller, but I wants to know if you guys know of any other brands that are good and not crzy expensive. Looking to spend around 50$, which I'd right where the Weller wlc100 falls.
Any other ones I should look at? It I'll mainly be used for guitar stuff, but I might also be doing some pedal builds for a friend.
Any other ones I should look at? It I'll mainly be used for guitar stuff, but I might also be doing some pedal builds for a friend.
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
I have been using this for about 8 years now. Original tip still. Heats up in seconds. I have never had a soldering iron last me for more than a couple years before this one. I love it and use it constantly in my shop. It's a bit more than $50, but so worth it.
http://guitarfetish.com/New-Xytronic-Ni ... _4486.html
http://guitarfetish.com/New-Xytronic-Ni ... _4486.html
My Tech Grind'ish band, Sulaco
My "I dont know how to describe it" band, CHRMR
My old instrumental prog band, BML
My metal band, Contrarian
Buy my Signature Mason BG Hellabucker
Friedman BE100
Marshall JCM800 1987
Helix Floor
Happily endorsed by ESP Guitars and BG Pickups
Also, lot's of Charvel's and Fender's on hand
My "I dont know how to describe it" band, CHRMR
My old instrumental prog band, BML
My metal band, Contrarian
Buy my Signature Mason BG Hellabucker
Friedman BE100

Marshall JCM800 1987
Helix Floor
Happily endorsed by ESP Guitars and BG Pickups
Also, lot's of Charvel's and Fender's on hand
- Diocide
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 2578
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 7:41 am
- Location: Hartford, CT
- Contact:
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Wow. That actually looks really nice, and they price isn't too bad. Maybe I'll grab one of those instead. Thanks for the heads up!
- Country-Butter
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 874
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 10:41 am
- Location: The Birthplace of the Blooze
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
I'm using a Hakko FX-888. Awesome unit and has worked flawlessly. Not too much more than your budget. Heats quick and variable temps.
Rampage wrote:I really don't like you. "Oh hey, I have a sweet Crook tele and a bunch of equally sweet pedals. Feel bad about thine-selves, tone peasants."
My Gear
Fractal Audio Axe Fx 2 Mark II
MFC-101 Mark III
Mission Engineering EP-1 Expression Pedals
EV ELX112P- 2
2010 Crook Custom Tele Blue Paisley with APC Adder/Voodoo TE50
2008 Charvel So Cal in Tangerine with SD Jazz/BKP Holy Diver
Fender MIM Stratocaster
Gravity Picks - Sunrise 1.5mm Mini
- TurboPablo
- Crystal Lettucer
- Posts: 29154
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 9:27 am
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
I've got a Hakko 936 that works killer. Bought it for, I think, $90 on Ebay.
- Diocide
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 2578
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 7:41 am
- Location: Hartford, CT
- Contact:
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Yeah, I'm thinking I might as well bite the bullet and just get a nice one. A buddy of mine makes custom pedals and amps, so if wanted to give him a hand with builds, at least I won't be using a crap iron that lifts the pads or traces on PCB's.
It's funny. I'm a plumber and I can solder copper pipe with my eyes closed, but give me a PCB and I'm like an ape trying to thread a needle.
It's funny. I'm a plumber and I can solder copper pipe with my eyes closed, but give me a PCB and I'm like an ape trying to thread a needle.

Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Gotta have some SOUL.
- TurboPablo
- Crystal Lettucer
- Posts: 29154
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 9:27 am
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Diocide wrote:Yeah, I'm thinking I might as well bite the bullet and just get a nice one. A buddy of mine makes custom pedals and amps, so if wanted to give him a hand with builds, at least I won't be using a crap iron that lifts the pads or traces on PCB's.
It's funny. I'm a plumber and I can solder copper pipe with my eyes closed, but give me a PCB and I'm like an ape trying to thread a needle.
Probably because there is no poo involved.
Seriously, I love my Hakko. Weller makes a great station too.
A friend had these Solder stations with a self feeding solder reel in them. Heat up the joint, press the button and the solder would feed right in. Almost a one handed deal. Unfortunately, I've never been able too find them anywhere. If I could, I would snatch one up in a heartbeat.
- Diocide
- Hall of Fame Member
- Posts: 2578
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 7:41 am
- Location: Hartford, CT
- Contact:
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Almost sounds like a MIG welder... That's wild!
- TurboPablo
- Crystal Lettucer
- Posts: 29154
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 9:27 am
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
That's a perfect analolgy.
I just wish I could find one.
I just wish I could find one.
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40- ... er+station

Under $45 and works like a champ! Been using mine for about 5 years with no hitches.

Under $45 and works like a champ! Been using mine for about 5 years with no hitches.
- Ostinato Rubato
- Crystal Lettucer
- Posts: 35812
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 1:14 pm
- Location: Fruitville, TX
Re: Need a soldering station. Suggestions?
Yarbicus wrote:Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40- ... er+station
Under $45 and works like a champ! Been using mine for about 5 years with no hitches.
this is what I have too and it's decent except it's a little too thick (not what she said)
EBMM Stingray Tobacco and Tort
Marshall 2555X Jubilee
Marshall 2536 2x12
CS Deja Vibe mkii > SupaTrem Jr. > Xotic Wah > OCD v2.0 > Fulldrive 2 mkii > TB Jailed Pitchblack > (Alter Ego x4)
Marshall 2555X Jubilee
Marshall 2536 2x12
CS Deja Vibe mkii > SupaTrem Jr. > Xotic Wah > OCD v2.0 > Fulldrive 2 mkii > TB Jailed Pitchblack > (Alter Ego x4)