Author Topic: Good value soldering station? (Read 2868 times)

ChadTower · « **on:** December 17, 2004, 10:41:49 am »

It's time for me to invest in a decent soldering station? Is there one in the $30 range that people would recommend, or is that too low? I can't spend $100 on one right now but have been under the impression that a very serviceable one can be had for $30-40.

Ken Layton · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2004, 11:13:51 am »

MCM Electronics (www.mcminone.com) always has some excellent soldering stations on sale each month. Check out their web specials, too. You can easily find a great unit in the $30 or less price range at MCM.

ChadTower · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2004, 11:22:25 am »

How's this one?

http://mcm.newark.com/NewarkWebCommerce/mcm/en_US/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=21-6050&N=4

whammoed · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2004, 12:52:22 pm »

great for the price:

http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/sskit.html

ChadTower · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2004, 12:57:59 pm »

I saw that when you posted in the other thread... I can't seem to find WHO is selling it nor what the price is... that's just a jpg.

SirPeale · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:25:17 pm »

This is the one I have:

MCM In One Link

It works really well, but you'll need to get a finer tip for it. it comes with a screwdriver tip.

AND - there's a $13 rebate on it.

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:37:42 pm »

anyone ever tried that cold heat soldering iron? Wondering how well it works

SuperGodX1 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:42:50 pm »

I picked this one up from Fry's Electronics:

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/1942888?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

With the extra conical tip that I purchased as well, I've been able to solder everything from stuff for my cabinet, to my xbox...and soldering is all new to me.

ChadTower · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2004, 01:50:35 pm »

Quote from: Hoagie_one on December 17, 2004, 01:37:42 pm

anyone ever tried that cold heat soldering iron?

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2004, 02:00:33 pm »

i'll take that as a endorsment not to buy it then, lol

ChadTower · « **Reply #10 on:** December 17, 2004, 02:07:13 pm »

Quote from: Hoagie_one on December 17, 2004, 02:00:33 pm

i'll take that as a endorsment not to buy it then, lol

Take into consideration my miniscule amount of soldering experience, as well. It may be easier to use for better solderers.

whammoed · « **Reply #11 on:** December 17, 2004, 02:22:45 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on December 17, 2004, 12:57:59 pm

I saw that when you posted in the other thread... I can't seem to find WHO is selling it nor what the price is... that's just a jpg.

sorry, its bob roberts:
http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/parts.html

fredster · « **Reply #12 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:27:38 pm »

I can solder, but a good gun makes it easy. I just have a $10 radio shack 15/30W iron, and I can do monitor caps and some minor, very minor, PCB work with.

The heavy duty intricate stuff I have a friend with one of those weller stations. If you can keep the temp even at the end of the iron, it makes soldering very easy.

The radio shack / wally world ones just keep the wattage even. The temp drops quick when you start using it. But those stations with constant temp controls makes it much simpler to control.

SirPeale · « **Reply #13 on:** December 17, 2004, 05:28:53 pm »

Quote from: SuperGodX1 on December 17, 2004, 01:42:50 pm

I picked this one up from Fry's Electronics:

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/1942888?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

With the extra conical tip that I purchased as well, I've been able to solder everything from stuff for my cabinet, to my xbox...and soldering is all new to me.

That's the one I posted above.

Ken Layton · « **Reply #14 on:** December 18, 2004, 12:15:18 am »

The MCM 21-6050 should be perfectly fine for most applications without having to spend a fortune.

quarterback · « **Reply #15 on:** December 20, 2004, 12:25:50 pm »

Quote from: Hoagie_one on December 17, 2004, 01:37:42 pm

anyone ever tried that cold heat soldering iron?

ChadTower · « **Reply #16 on:** December 20, 2004, 01:41:27 pm »

Quote from: Ken Layton on December 18, 2004, 12:15:18 am

The MCM 21-6050 should be perfectly fine for most applications without having to spend a fortune.

Ordered today.

ErikRuud · « **Reply #17 on:** December 20, 2004, 02:09:20 pm »

Why would your dining room table need a KeyWhiz?

??

DrewKaree · « **Reply #18 on:** December 20, 2004, 02:47:19 pm »

Quote from: ErikRuud on December 20, 2004, 02:09:20 pm

Why would your dining room table need a KeyWhiz???

It actually sounds quite cool! You haven't been able to wrap your mind around it because you're looking to build a different kind of cab. Allow me to explain.

He's building the "Showcase" version of Coffee Table MAME.

ErikRuud · « **Reply #19 on:** December 20, 2004, 03:47:27 pm »

Ah ha! I get it, a 50" MAME Cocktail!

quarterback · « **Reply #20 on:** December 20, 2004, 09:51:55 pm »

Quote from: ErikRuud on December 20, 2004, 02:09:20 pm

Why would your dining room table need a KeyWhiz???

crashwg · « **Reply #21 on:** December 20, 2004, 10:20:17 pm »

I have come to learn that you should never drink anything whilst reading these message boards... There are some witty people here that can make a joke about ANYTHING!


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