Soldering Iron question

[aussy]

For pedals,
1. what wattage?
2. temperature control necessary?

I've used a radioshack cheapo to do guitar stuff for years
It lasted me through my first pedal build (folk fuzz kit), but frustrated me endlessly
it takes too long to warm up, sometimes inconsistent temps?, the tip is gross (does radioshack even sell replacement tips?)
anyway, was thinking of getting a replacement for xmas, so I'd like to be informed

since it'll have to be through amazon and eligible for 'prime shipping'
it'll be one of these two:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I3 ... d_i=507846
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B5 ... d_i=507846

[nbabmf]

You've got to keep the tip clean! I'm sure it's not the iron you're having problems with, but the oxidized tip. Radio Shack sells replacements for $2-3, depending on which iron you bought.

[Scruffie]

You've got to keep the tip clean! I'm sure it's not the iron you're having problems with, but the oxidized tip. Radio Shack sells replacements for $2-3, depending on which iron you bought.

Yeah, use an old damp sponge... and stand back a bit and shield your eyes from the flying spitting boiling water and solder

25-35Watts is normal, Temperature Control is useful but not necessary.

[aussy]

Oh, also the tip is gigantic
always end up burning any wire in close proximity
but yeah, my fault for not cleaning it

I'll check my radioshack for a smaller replacement tip
hopefully the solution is that easy
glad to know temperature control isn't necessary

[Rygot]

I use a wp35. However, get a conical tip to go with it, the stock tip is quite large.

[eatyourguitar]

I use a wp35. However, get a conical tip to go with it, the stock tip is quite large.

I too has a wp35 and came to the same conclusion.

[TweedBassman]

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

^

one of the best for the money... hell, best period. put a few extra tips in with your order and you're good. I don't like expensive fancy irons with digital displays etc... they all seem to break eventually. But that one above is waaaay better than anything else in the price range.

Also, if you buy a few tips to get the price above $50, you get a free digital meter. WTFH!

[McSpunckle]

Those Hakko clones are supposed to be pretty sweet.

Make sure you get something comfortable to use. I I have a cheaper Chinese station that specs out, and works, about the same as my Weller WES51, but I never use it because the pencil is so uncomfortable. It's just too bulky.

I'd like to have at least 50 watts, too, so I can work at a lower temperature. But 1) I use my iron daily, and 2) I use lead free solder almost exclusively, so you might not need/care about any of that.

[aussy]

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

^

one of the best for the money... hell, best period. put a few extra tips in with your order and you're good. I don't like expensive fancy irons with digital displays etc... they all seem to break eventually. But that one above is waaaay better than anything else in the price range.

Also, if you buy a few tips to get the price above $50, you get a free digital meter. WTFH!

Yup, that's definitely the one I'll get if I purchase it myself
found out about it from OSG
How handy is the multimeter? I think when I was pricing it out, I was aiming for the free wire strippers instead

[TweedBassman]

the free meter is actually pretty good; not great at all, but better than nothing. It does all the basic functions but the interface is a little clumsy. For instance, most meters have a little dedicated section for inserting transistors, this does not. seems good but i never used it.

If you do a lot of DIY stuff, I wouldn't get those wire strippers. Those are more for crimping large gauge stuff. I'd highly recommend something like this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3932546

[aussy]

Thanks for the recommendation! multi meter it is then
now to actually commit, buy it, and start building stuff