Soldering Iron Broke. Need Recommendations

[brand0nized]

Hey folks,

I have a 40w Weller Soldering iron that just stopped heating up. The LEDs come on, but the iron won't heat up anymore.

Any suggestions for a descent soldering iron? I'm a college student and do a fair amount of builds for myself. I think I could justify spending up to $40, though I'd prefer not to.

[aion]

These ones are amazing, and the price is unbeatable, but it's out of stock until March:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/station-60.html

Next best bet (still under $40) is this one:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi-station-75.html

[dropanchor812]

I've got an older American Beauty with a control station from the 70's and I really love it.  However,  I did have to cut off a section of the cord because there was a short.  If you don't want to fuss over that sort of thing buy a new unit, but there's some quality old workhorses to be found if you are willing to get something older.

I also have a harbor freight pencil iron that I picked up for $5 as a back-up.  If you keep the tip clean then it should last you at least a couple of builds

[playpunk]

I got one of the cheapos from Hobby King about a year and a half ago, and it still works. I wouldn't call it "nice" and I've thought about upgrading (maybe to the one that Kevin posted) but I haven't decided if I want to yet.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24790__Soldering_Station_with_Adjustable_Heat_Range_with_US_Plug.html

[brand0nized]

What's the benefit of having a soldering station? Are the different wattage selections actually useful for different guitar pedal applications?

[pryde]

Been using the Weller WP25 for years without any issues. The conical tips lasts a very long time.

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WP25-Professional-25Watts-Soldering/dp/B000B63BTU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423584257&sr=8-1&keywords=weller+wp25

[flanagan0718]

I've got one of these. Works great!

[Bradd]

I really like my Weller WES51 Analog Soldering Station. I recommend using it with a brass wool cleaner instead of a sponge. It heats up quickly, and with the brass wool, it stays there. Nice variety of inexpensive tips.

I've also heard good things about the similar Hakko FX888D-23BY Digital Soldering Station. That one is a little less expensive and has the brass wool built into the iron holster, but the tips are about twice as expensive as Weller's.

[m-Kresol]

I'd recommend to look for a second hand soldering iron. You sometimes get amazing deals for hardly used ones.

[dont-tase-me-bro]

Fx888d-23by is pretty good.  Heats up pretty fast

[alanp]

Cheapo 40W irons aren't completely awful. I'd feel like a bit of a poser if I got one of those flash base unit plus iron holder things!

[blearyeyes]

oops

[blearyeyes]

I've got one of these. Works great!

I have one of these but it didn't work out for me.. it was too hot and burned boards etc. The advantage of buying one with adjustable heat is finding the heat that works best for you.  I bought a Circuit Specialist 
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi701a.html  because the biggest issue I had was De-soldering...

[joegagan]

looking for a new one myself, thanks for the recommends.

a friend told me about this hakko knock-off, he bought it and likes it pretty well, great for the money.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390635897189?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

ditto on the brass wool instead of wet sponge. i think the thermal shock of cooling the tip all the time wears the tips out faster.

[john_p_wi]

I'd recommend to look for a second hand soldering iron. You sometimes get amazing deals for hardly used ones.

Yes.  The poor soldering iron is one of the most used tools on the electronics bench, but the most over looked.

I would suggest looking for a used Metcal, you could probably find one for less than 100 bucks (I know more than you want to spend).  The are a fantastic tool and use RF energy to heat the tip.  The newer systems let the tip cool when placed in the cradle and heat the tip instantly - by the time you get the tip to the work piece.  They also sense the "work load" or "heat load" of the joint and constantly adjust the power to the tip.

I scored a NIB 5051 with the additional desoldering head for about 40% of list and use the same hand piece for everything from heavy leaded components and eyelets in tube amps to the smallest components just by switching tips...

I've been soldering over 40 years, looking back Weller has given nothing but grief, check out Metcal.