What soldering iron are you using?

I need to upgrade from my cheapy cheap Radio Shack 25w soldering iron.
It just doesn't heat up fast enough, or maybe even enough in general.

What are you using, or even better, what do you think I should buy?
Thanks guys.

 

I bought the cheapest, 2 part soldering iron from the local electrical shop. Will try to grab a link... Wish I bought the auto temp ones I have used for ~80-150 though... Mine was ~40.

Mine is this one, works good but have to adjust the temp every now and then, not the biggest deal but a pain.

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC

Have used this type before and wish I would have bought this... Used for many projects, from small projects to large stuff

Weller WESD51 Digital Soldering Station

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WESD51-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B000ARU9PO/ref=pd_cp_hi_0

 

Most of the places I've worked have had Edsyn irons. They seem to be pretty good quality. I've got an adjustable Tenma that I've had for about 10 years or so. It was cheaper than a weller or hakko and has been pretty good.

 

have you tried a new tip? i have the same one you do and that did the trick for me.

 

Maybe I should try this first!!! Back to the Shack

 

haha i like to start cheap and if that doesnt work then get a new one!

 

an old digital one from http://www.circuitspecialists.com/solder-stations

 

So, I got a new tip at Radio Shack but I haven't tried it yet since I decided to further my education and bought an electronics learning lab. Just built a circuit to make an LED flash. Now I just need to figure out why it flashes.

I feel like a little kid!

 

Those soldering stations are pretty cool. That may be the way I go if this new tip doesn't work. I'm all for buying more tool than you need right now and growing into it.

 

A good iron will make a big difference in the quality of solder joints. I've had a couple real cheap ones (one from Radio Shack) and they just aren't very good at all when compared to a quality iron.

 

Capacitor charging and discharging. I think that is what I see on there.

 

i use one for the shack as well...been using the same one for 65+ clusters on tacomas and ive only kept changing out the tips

 

Hey, thanks! I'm hoping as I get further along, I learn more about the "why"

 

I have one of the new Cold Heat devices. Believe it or not, it works great! And it's cold to the touch in a fraction of a second after you let go of the trigger.

 

Weller Temperature control.

Weller WESD51 Digital Soldering Station

http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WESD51...ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1334196482&sr=1-1
It makes it a lot easier to do really small/percice joints. Also have access to a buthane portable iron, comes in handy every so often

 

i use a gas soldering iron at work. made by power probe. its freakin awesome

 

Weller.

40w, 15w, and a small pocket butane for field work.

 

How about this?

 

that looks like one of the portable gas ones

 

Do you know which one? My dad has an older one and says it sucks. I'm desperate for anything that can improve my soldering skills. I've even been practicing by trying to put old broken led flashlights back together. Everything I touch either doesn't stick or looks like I was sweating copper pipes... before it comes loose.