Soldering iron / kit for electronics.

Emmia

My husband has asked for a soldering iron for Christmas, but whilst I'm familiar with silver soldering using a blow torch, and did soldering of electrical items at school... I'm a bit confuddled by the different options available. I'm hoping this is the right board to ask this question.

Budget is circa £200 - £300 although obviously I'd rather spend less.

He wants to solder electronic components, as he's decided to go wild on Lego model light kits, display shelf kits... He's a total novice so it needs to be easy to use (although I'm 100% certain he'll be practicing before going anywhere near the real things he'll be soldering).  


I've seen a few kits, but I'm really not sure if they're overkill or would provide everything he'll need - guidance greatly appreciated.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/soldering-stations/1789026 

He's got a few ifixit tools which he loves, so I was wondering about this kit) 

https://www.ifixit.com/en-gb/products/fixhub-soldering-toolkit


Amazon has some very cheap options, which might be fine, but there is a part of me that would rather buy from RS / branded items so that upgrades/spares are more readily available.

Grateful for any assistance 

MattMattMattUK

Personally I would go for the iFixIt stuff, there is a bit of a brand premium but it is all well made and they have good support. I stripped a torx driver and messaged to ask if I could buy a replacement, they sent me a whole new kit for free.

Frozen_up_north

Depending on how small the parts are that your hubby wants to solder, there is no need to spend a small fortune on a "soldering station", an ordinary iron (and stand) is more than adequate.

The Antex range of irons are very good, UK made, and widely available. CPC are a good supplier. The 25 Watt XS25 is a general purpose iron, or perhaps one of the smaller Wattage irons as well? Don't forget to include a stand (ST4 at £7-09):

https://cpc.farnell.com/c/tools-maintenance/soldering/soldering-irons?brand=antex

I have an Antex ST4, XS25, M12 (12W iron) and an assortment of bits. I also have a Weller WE1010

https://cpc.farnell.com/weller/we-1010/soldering-station/dp/SD02222?st=weller%20we1010

CPC are a reputable supplier and more "hobby" oriented than RS.