Soldering kit

[mattvapes1976]

So my soldering iron has died , and to be honest I need something more precise anyway . I'd love any recommendations on an affordable precision soldering kit - plus maybe where I can find those octopus grabby arm things ? I don't have enough hands and pliers to solder effectively ! Haha

Many thanks chaps !

Matt

 

[Billgates]

Just look on ebay for hepling hands

 

[mattvapes1976]

Just look on ebay for hepling hands

Thanks will do !

 

[Loco]

Was in the same situation as you a couple days back, so have this stuff fresh in my mind. Are you looking to make the helping hands yourself with the hoses or buy one complete.
I know hobbyking stock the turnigy one, but is eu warehouse iirc.

Iron depends on budget. Is one of those items where price does seem to relate closely to quality.

For a lower price the 898d+ seems to be often recommended. Amongst other chineese clone stations, hakko copies etc... seem more than adequate for diy use.

Other options like hakko/weller/ersa are obviously a fair bit more.

 

[Benjamin Bailey]

Metcal are a good brand, although there cheapest option I think is around 100 but it auto adjusts heat depending what your soldering against

 

[Tubbyengineer]

A lot depends on what sort of soldering you'll be doing - and how much, I use a Maplin Gold A55KJ, they're £69 but they are reliable and spares are easy to get...
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/60w-mains-lcd-solder-station-a55kj

 

[Loco]

A lot depends on what sort of soldering you'll be doing - and how much, I use a Maplin Gold A55KJ, they're £69 but they are reliable and spares are easy to get...
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/60w-mains-lcd-solder-station-a55kj

Have heard some good feedback about these too. Common reccomendation is to wait until it appears in the sale though if possible, as it ends up at around 40 quid.

 

[mattvapes1976]

Wow thanks everyone ! Lots to look at !

 

[mattvapes1976]

Was in the same situation as you a couple days back, so have this stuff fresh in my mind. Are you looking to make the helping hands yourself with the hoses or buy one complete.
I know hobbyking stock the turnigy one, but is eu warehouse iirc.

Iron depends on budget. Is one of those items where price does seem to relate closely to quality.

For a lower price the 898d+ seems to be often recommended. Amongst other chineese clone stations, hakko copies etc... seem more than adequate for diy use.

Other options like hakko/weller/ersa are obviously a fair bit more.

I'll buy one complete to be honest , less faffing is definitely my motto

 

[timj]

I purchased a cheap variable temp unit on ebay shipped from China. I had my suspicions but it works quite well. I do not leave it unattended however. I've used quite expensive soldering stations in the past which are much better. But for smaller hobbiest stuff the cheap ones work fine.