Soldering iron for birthday present

Imp

It is my nephew's 10th birthday in a couple of months, and I thought a build it yourself radio such as this one would be a really good present.

http://www.rapidonline.com/Education/AM-Pocket-transistor-radio-28388

It comes with everything you need except a battery and a soldering iron. I can find a suitable battery, but was wondering if anyone could recommend a soldering iron for a 10 year old boy.

Thanks,

Imp

rpc

Unless you are going to fork out for a soldering station (much better to use, but pricier), there isn't a whole lot to choose. You will also want a stand and either a desolder pump or wick.

A kit like this would be fine I'm sure: http://www.maplin.co.uk/40w-soldering-kit-399593

If that stretches the budget, you could buy a cheaper soldering iron without the extras. Solder you will definitely need, the stand you can do without (but it is much safer to use one!).

Lotus-eater

How clever are his parents? As they are the ones that are going to have to supervise him while he's using it.
He must have eye protection and not solder in his room, ideally it needs to be somewhere well ventilated.

You need a kit with a stand at the minimum, this one should be ok.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/40w-soldering-kit-399593

Lotus-eater

rpc wrote: »

Unless you are going to fork out for a soldering station (much better to use, but pricier), there isn't a whole lot to choose. You will also want a stand and either a desolder pump or wick.

A kit like this would be fine I'm sure: http://www.maplin.co.uk/40w-soldering-kit-399593

If that stretches the budget, you could buy a cheaper soldering iron without the extras. Solder you will definitely need, the stand you can do without (but it is much safer to use one!).

:rotfl: Obviously I'm a bit slow.

WestonDave

The kits are nice and complete, but a 40W iron is a bit overkill for a small electronics project - not least as the bit/tip will be larger. With a 10 year old having smaller hands I'd be tempted to get one of the 15W ones and some solder. (I use a 15w one for model railway wiring which is similar size to electronics).

A pound shop wooden chopping board makes a good work station. I would personally only let a 10 year old use a soldering iron under close supervision as the burns they give are real!

fluffnutter

I used to love soldering stuff. At about this age too. I don't remember being supervised though. Perhaps my mum was too busy tending to my brother and his continual electric shocks. We were an experimental pair.

rpc

A pound shop wooden chopping board makes a good work station. I would personally only let a 10 year old use a soldering iron under close supervision as the burns they give are real!

I second this (I started before then and my hands have the scars)

Lotus-eater wrote: »

He must have eye protection and not solder in his room, ideally it needs to be somewhere well ventilated.

and this.

Maybe get a cheap pair of safety specs too? They shouldn't cost a lot but will mean that he has everything ready to safely go.

peachyprice

Have you checked with his parents that they're fine with having to find the time to supervise him with this pressie?

Imp

peachyprice wrote: »

Have you checked with his parents that they're fine with having to find the time to supervise him with this pressie?

It's fine, his parents know what kind of present to expect from me. For his seventh birthday I had to have his present couriered to him, as Royal Mail don't carry explosives.

I'm sure that's what uncles are for.

j.e.j.

Imp wrote: »

For his seventh birthday I had to have his present couriered to him, as Royal Mail don't carry explosives.

:rotfl::rotfl:

Think I'll stick with getting them Roald Dahl and David Walliams books.. Soldering does sound like fun, though

rpc

Do you want to be my uncle?