Afternoon Guys, Ever since getting involved with the Hobby, I have used a cheap Weller Soldering Iron from Lowes and that was okay when dealing with HO Scale; however, I am now wanting something better, MUCH better, for working with N Scale. What I would really like is a "Resistance System"; however they all seem to be pretty expensive ($400 +) and that is not an amount that I feel I can justify for my needs. With that being said, and unless someone can recommend a good resistance system at a reasonable price, can someone suggest a very good quality, reliable soldering iron/system to buy for soldering small gauge wires in the vicinity of 20 - 24 gauge (street lighting etc) resistors and drop feeders to track. While cost is a consideration, it is not as important as the quality and/or ease of use.
The Hakko stuff, with the adjustable temp, multiple tips, and temp readout is sold in a lot of places and a good value
Greg, Thanks and any recommendations for which one would be the best for N Scale and "fine" (I suppose) soldering jobs?
Normally you don't need too much heat, a fine point and a medium chisel is good. This one is popular: https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D...=1506816879&sr=8-2&keywords=hakko+solder+iron Double check the tips available. Greg
I'm not sure where this thought might fit, but I find that the new lead-free solder is tougher to work with, not wanting to flow and requiring higher heat. Innocently buying some, I was getting VERY frustrated until one of my brothers explained what was up. I'm fortunate to have since found some old skool 60/40 lead bearing rosin core solder like I remember and it works great.
Which model Weller iron do you have? You don't need an elaborate soldering station just to solder wires, resistors or track feeders.
Thanks Gents and I'll take a look at the link and the Model Hakko suggested. Hardcoaler, maybe that is my problem as well - using new solder instead of the good old reliable stuff. Thanks for the tip.
Point353, Heck, have it for so long I don't know what model it is. What I can tell you is it is a little hand held type with 3 led lights so you can see what you are doing and with screw in tips. The iron itself isn't too bad, it could just be the tip that I need to replace as it started NOT wanting to melt the solder properly. All that would happen would be the solder would "ball up" and stick to the iron and that isn't good when trying to solder finer jobs. I may not need a higher end soldering iron but it would be nice to have one none the less.
A controlled temperature iron helps with LEDs, small components, and the consistent temp helps a lot in soldering. Virtually everyone who has "graduated" never wants to go back. Greg
Greg, Thanks and I think I'll get the iron you suggested, the Hakko FX888D. It looks good, right price and I like the "variable temp control as well. I also like how you can get tweezer attachments for it also.
For what it's worth as a tip, I use a simple and inexpensive clip-on heat sink to prevent overheating nearby electrical components,. These work great.
Hardcoaler, Thanks, I go even more "low tech" than that and use a couple of "Alligator Clips" where possible, one either side of where I solder to draw heat away. They may not be as effective as what you have suggested, but they do the job.
About a year ago I bought a Sigma 60D soldering station on Amazon .... love it .. it works beautifully. About a month ago the heating element burned out .... since the unit came with an extra I am still enamored with my choice. In attempting to purchase additional heating elements for the future I have run up against a roadblock!!!! I can not find any availability at all!!!! Word to the wise in checking out a purchase would be to check out availability of spares before making said purchase .. my bad .. In any case if anyone is aware of a source for heating elements for this unit or even a replacement S907D 6 hole iron I would be eternally grateful.
I think it's no longer sold, only found the references on Amazon and Alibaba. With a heating element only lasting a year, as painful as it sounds, you should probably invest in a different product after the current element goes. I have soldering stations with heating elements older than my nieces and nephews! Just search for it once a month, perhaps you will find a used 60D cheap enough to buy for parts. Greg
Update ... I have bought (and received) my Hakko FX888D Soldering Station. Haven't used it yet but it looks good AND very solid.
In any case if anyone is aware of a source for heating elements for this unit or even a replacement S907D 6 hole iron I would be eternally grateful.[/QUOTE] There seems to be more than a passing resemblance between that Sigma unit and this outfit's products: http://yihua-soldering.com/products.html This page from their site shows various tips: http://yihua-soldering.com/product-8-soldering-accessories.html/158736 This company's site shows what appear to be similar looking products: https://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations If they don't have replacement tips, maybe one of the replacement irons would work: https://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-replacement-parts Never dealt with them so can't vouch for them. I can vouch for my Weller unit which has never missed a beat over the course of several decades. You get what you pay for. Reminds me of a saying from the old "Car Talk" radio program: "It's the stingy person who spends the most."
Point353, Couldn't agree more with that statement. I am glad that your Weller has worked well for you but after going through 3 of them in 3 years I bit the bullet and bought a good system (I hope). Admittedly, my Weller's were "cheapies" from Lowes for $15 or there abouts, so I didn't expect too much from them. The Hakko had better last a little longer
One might ask what you expected to get for only $15. The Weller soldering station I have cost close to $100 when I bought it well back in the last century. This is the current version: http://www.weller-toolsus.com/solde...ries/weller-wtcpt-soldering-station-120v.html
Point353, That was my point - bought cheap, not expecting too much as I said, and it became a repetitious purchase. This time quality and reliability was the focus and why I spent $107.
I also bought my Weller WTPCT in the last century -- about 40 years ago, in fact. It's still going strong after 1000's upon 1000's of solder joints, from N-scale decoders to heavy duty radio cables. Best workshop investment ever! I've seen it recently for less than $145 online. - Jeff
