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 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.

Emmia

Thanks for the assistance - he's sent me some links to one he's looked at - would this lot be enough? Anything else I should get?

- Iron: https://thepihut.com/products/antex-xs25-soldering-iron-uk-plug

- Stand: https://thepihut.com/products/antex-st4-soldering-iron-stand-h400020

- Solder: https://thepihut.com/products/antex-lead-free-solder

- Tip cleaner: https://thepihut.com/products/soldering-tip-cleaner

Frozen_up_north

CPC are cheaper than the Pi Hut...

Ayr_Rage

Emmia said:

Thanks for the assistance - he's sent me some links to one he's looked at - would this lot be enough? Anything else I should get?

- Iron: https://thepihut.com/products/antex-xs25-soldering-iron-uk-plug

- Stand: https://thepihut.com/products/antex-st4-soldering-iron-stand-h400020

- Solder: https://thepihut.com/products/antex-lead-free-solder

- Tip cleaner: https://thepihut.com/products/soldering-tip-cleaner

Almost exactly what I have in my toolbox, purchased in 1982 !

As they say, if it's not broke don't fix it, the stand especially is a timeless design.

That wattage is fine for small electronics.

Eyeful

 Aimed at the professional market.RS while costly always sold good equipment when I used them.

1. Soldering Irons for

• Light PCB work and small through‑hole parts (resistors, small transistors, simple ICs): about 25–40 W 

• General electronics, hobby PCB assembly, mixed components: about 40–60 W 

I never needed a temperature‑controlled station, that's just the cherry on the cake

2. You will also need at least:
soldering iron stand.(with sponge)
rosin core solder
Side cutters. 
Long nose pliers

3. Good quality tools last a very long time. 

Ayr_Rage

Don't forget to get a desoldering pump (solder sucker) for when you need to remove components or excess solder and start again.

Practice makes perfect.

Eyeful

Ayr_Rage said:

Don't forget to get a desoldering pump (solder sucker) for when you need to remove components or excess solder and start again.

Practice makes perfect.

Or Desoldering braid (also called solder wick).
By the way solder suckers I have used .come in two sizes, best described as small and medium.Both worked well.

Emmia

Can I say thank you for these contributions - I have been looking at temperature controlled irons, are these worth getting?

*This has frankly turned into a bit of a rabbit hole of electronics websites.

Heedtheadvice

I concur with the above.

Welker are very good but probably overkill for the use.

The optional suggested tools options really are essential for good working.

I would add a small vice as it us great for holding the parts still whilst soldering- essential to get  good joint.

https://cpc.farnell.com/stanley/1-83-069/vice-multi-angle/dp/TL12890 is the type but there may be cheaper options elsewhere