Chosen Solution
I am looking to get into soldering, (Self taught by watching people such as Louis Rossman) and I wanted to know if people had any suggestions for a soldering station. All thoughts are welcome. I would love to keep it under 200, but i could save more and go higher. Also solder recommendations are welcome
It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Hobby stuff or work? SMD or big stuff? Inquiring minds want to know…;>). You can get cheap Chinese stations, some including hot air for under your budget and for hobby purposes, it will suffice. If you plan on doing a lot of work, hobby related or not, then you could take a step up to a Hakko FX-888D which is a nice temperature controlled iron with a wide selection of tips.
Get a descent Hakko soldering station in the long term. The cheap irons are serviceable but the tips don’t last and tend to total out the iron - they’re serviceable as a learning tools but do not rely on them forever. That said if you insist on a cheap iron, buy 2 and find one with 2 tips (1 attached/1 extra in box), so you aren’t stuck when the tip burns up within a few uses. After you use the tips up or go through both, the tips can be kept around if you like or discarded. I don’t like these irons, but Walmart sells a disposable iron with solder and an extra tip and solder for $10. Don’t do this long term - it will cost you more then a good iron! As far as buying solder, the Radio Shack solder is excellent if you can buy it, especially 60/40. I have a few rolls I got when the store here closed since I may not be able to find another one easily again. Stick with a few good brands, but keep a good quality backup on your mind just in case.
