Suitable Soldering Iron?

Joe Musashi

I'm looking to get a few tools for modding. I'll be looking to do things like region switches, replacing dead batteries and maybe installing a few mod chips.

Anyway, for a soldering iron I was thinking about buying one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-71415-Soldering-Iron-Kit/dp/B000ELJ0C4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310655064&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-71416-25-Watt-Soldering-Iron/dp/B0001KA1Q2/ref=sr_1_10?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1310655085&sr=1-10

Do you think either of those would be ok or should I be buying a lower watt iron? I notice in the review below that it mentions that is doesn't come with a fine tip. Would I need to get a tip for the specific model iron or would a generic one do? Please link me to some suitable replacement tips if you can.

I do have a list of some of the other things I need. I'm a noob when it comes to this kind of stuff so go easy. :pac:

docentore

get this one.

only disadvantage is it comes with US or China plug, but it has ground cable. I modded mine with kettle lead. Works like a charm

Joe Musashi

docentore wrote: »

get this one.

only disadvantage is it comes with US or China plug, but it has ground cable. I modded mine with kettle lead. Works like a charm

Cheers

Just checked on ebay there and found this one:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Variable-Temperature-Soldering-Station-Iron-Kit-NEW-/120730956097?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item1c1c203141

It's also on amazon but not available for postage to here. Actually I think might buy this one instead of the one on dealextreme. I've read about people waiting months for stuff from dealextreme which is a bit off-putting. If I ordered the necessary extras from dealextreme it would probably only work out a few euro cheaper too. I wouldn't have to use a power converter either for this iron.

I think I'll buy that one on ebay and hope for the best. :cool:

Joe Musashi

So I bought the one from ebay. I plugged it in for the first time and there's smoke coming from the holes by the handle. That shouldn't be happening, should it? I tried it againb afterwards and it was still smoking.

I'm wondering if I should contact the seller and get a refund or a replacement.

Reamer Fanny

Smoking isnt normal unless your using a flux based solder, you could pick one up from your local woodies for €9.99 if your only interested in light wiring work, mod chip installation etc..

DrGreenthumb

15watt irons with a good tip is all you need for most small soldering,

peats sell diy soldering kits that are handy to get to grips with soldering