Soldering iron recommendations?

I am looking for a soldering iron specifically for decoder work and was wondering if anyone had one they really like. Micro Mark has a rechargable cordless iron that you can get a micro tip for (watts not listed) and Radio Shack has an inexpensive battery powered one that is 15 watts.

Thanks,
John

I would recomend getting a good quality soldering unit like a Weller wlc100 or similar. This unit is adjustable and comes with acomplete base stand with tip cleaning sponge. The Weller st6 tip is their fine pencil point, and perfect for fine work.

A good soldering unit is half the secret to good soldering. the other half is tip maintainence, quality solder, and flux. See if you can find your local elecrical supply house, their most likely to carry the better brands of soldering units like Weller.

Tony B...
Wasatch Z Club

Hi Tony,
I just checked on the web and Radio Shack carries the Weller WLC100. I will pop by the nearest store and take a look.

Thanks!

John

Radio Shack only offers the soldering station on their webpage, so I ordered one from Micro Mark where they also list the micro tip.

John

CALL FIRST as I VERY much doubt Rat Shack has that in store stock. It is fairly popular, at least 10 years old so many places carry it. There are quite a few other vendors for same or better price but you need to order spare tips, they don't last forever and newer flux formulations are harder on the tips. Make sure your solder is NOT Lead-free !!! It WILL eat your tips !!! You can still easily by 60/40 or 63/37 PbSn (Lead, Tin), even at RS. RS also carries the very fine 0.015" solder with 2% Silver. This makes a stronger junction. 600 degres is fine for most solder sometimes a bit lower (550) and sometimes 700 plus (track, etc.) with a larger tip.

NEVER grind the tip into your work !!! It will remove the plating and then the solder will not 'tin' (make a free flowing film on the 'tip' area, it will simply ball in one spot or area on the tip and make it very difficult to melt the solder unless it is on that spot). Let the solder help conduct the heat between the iron and work. Heat the larger part first.

Thanks Jeff. Yes, the local Radio Shacks do not have the soldering station in stock. Since I am in no rush, I ordered it from Micro Mark along with an extra micro tip.

Cheers,
John

Hey John, one more quick item, check into different typs of flux. Now a days, there are non-toxic/non-caustic alternatives to the older acid types. The older fluxs smell up your hobby room, and i assume are bad for you when breathed in. The new non=toxic forms work just as well if not better, and are non offensive to breath.

Tip cleaner is important as well.

Tony B...
Wasatch Z Club