soldering iron on the way out

[mcandmar]

That sounds like a plumbers iron to me

So if a bad workman blames his tools, does a good workman suffer in silence?

[aragorn723]

I am personally extremely happy with the Tenma temp-controlled solder station which my wife got for me several Christmases ago - I believe she consulted Doc B behind my back on that.

You're a lucky guy!   

[Grainger49]

I've got a Weller that I have had since 1975.  It is kind of a station.  But I had to add an on/off switch, it was made to be unplugged when not used.  I have left it on for weeks sometimes and it comes back.  Replaced the tip once since 1975.

[spaniard02]

Like this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VINMRO/ref=pd_aw_sbs_3?pi=SL500_SS115

In case you haven't pulled the trigger yet, wanted to point out that Fry's is currently offering that same Aoyue 936 for $39.99 w/FS:
http://www.frys.com/product/7742028?site=sa:adpages%20page:P104_WED%20date:122513

It isn't exactly a raging deal (I bought mine from RandyRuby on eBay several months ago for $41.99 w/FS), but it's about the best you're going to get on it - that is, unless you're buying multiple units from that circuitspecialists.com link, to save with the combined shipping.

I have this same station and am very happy w/ my decision to buy it over more expensive models.  I think the only gripe that Hakko fans have with it is that the handle can get pretty warm depending on where/how you hold it, and it is true, but it's nothing you can't solve in about 30 seconds with some stretchy foam and/or electrical tape to add a little bit more padding.  Highly recommend it.

Then just add a 10 or 12 -piece tip set from eBay for under $10 w/FS and you should be all set for your $50 target spend.

[aragorn723]

Thanks for the reply.  I wound up buying a Weller professional soldering iron that plugs into the wall (the old one is butane).  It is a lot better than the old one (heats joints much more quickly).

[Snarii]

May probably interest someone, I bought these items time ago for RC hobby, and I really couldn't be more satisfied :

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19240__soldering_station_with_adjustable_heat_range_usa_warehouse_.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130551105910&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:FR:3160

For less than $30 you have a Hakko 936 compatible soldering station with a collection of tips. I soldered my crack with it for a perfect jobs.

A few links to read about it :
   http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1722684

[mcandmar]

I got to ask, what RC toys have you got?

[Snarii]

I used to play with multirotors and more stressful helicopters, but I've neglected them recently, total available free time being finite, I'm now leaning to a more relaxing but also exciting hobby with these amps

[Strikkflypilot]

I see this post is rather ancient, nevertheless...

I was thinking about picking up one of these: Weller Whs40

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weller-Whs40-Temp-Controlled-Solder/dp/B0001P17EW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Should it be a good station?
Figured I need a smaller tips than my current 1/4" weller 40 pen has for the Mainline (If You guys at Bottlehead have mercy and a Black Friday sale...

[grausch]

I've been using the WHS 40 without any issues. Can't compare it to others as I never soldered before, but I have zero complaints.

[Strikkflypilot]

Thanks, that's one for father christmas' list, then:)

[Strikkflypilot]

So father christmas forgot me:(
I ordered this one though for a special price 90$ incl VAT and postage!
http://www.xytronic-usa.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=219
To me looks impressive for the price