Looking at getting a new soldering iron and I'm overwhelmed

[707offroad]

I've been reading up on soldering irons and I've narrowed my search down to two. The first is the Weller P2KC butane portable soldering iron, the second is the Trakpower TK-950. My current setup is a craftsman soldering gun. I like the portability of the Weller but I'm not sure how well it will work soldering wires that have shrink tubing. The Trakpower looks like the winner, but the cord seems like it would be a pain in the ass. What kind of Iron do you have, and if you were to get another iron what would you get? Thanks!

[Dr. Isotope]

I'm using a Hakko 936, which I've had for about 15 years. If I were buying today, it would be the TK-950, which is basically a rebadged Hakko 936. Nothing compares to a proper soldering station.

[RichMTB01]

Check out my new soldering station. It makes a HUGE difference! Soldering is now fun.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=juosvllmP5w

[707offroad]

Sweet! I just ordered the Trakpower Thanks guys!

[mrkdubaya]

Hakko 45wt Fri's 29.99

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

[Eric0424]

Originally Posted by Dr. Isotope

I'm using a Hakko 936, which I've had for about 15 years. If I were buying today, it would be the TK-950, which is basically a rebadged Hakko 936. Nothing compares to a proper soldering station.

Originally Posted by 707offroad

Sweet! I just ordered the Trakpower Thanks guys!

We'll be opening up a pair of TK-950's Christmas morning. They'll be replacing an old Weller station that's working just fine, so the Weller will go to the garage, one TrakPower will stay in the house and the second TrakPower will go home with my brother. Still need to replace my Weller solder gun in the garage, but it can wait as most of our soldering has been inside lately.

[BEAR5OH]

The digital model from LRP is pretty bad ass too. Has a sensor in the cradle that puts the iron into cool down immediately. When it comes out of the cradle, is heats up to temp in about 3 seconds or so. Digitally adjustable for temp in F and C.

For the record, I have the Trakpower and it's awesome.

B.

[kevinatfms]

I know its not the most spectacular but for $8 the Hobbico 60w version at Tower Hobbies does everything needed. Replacement tips are cheap and various sizes are available. I have had mine for 2 years now and it still works perfectly. I bought a stand to hold it from Radioshack for like $10 and so far it has been flawless for ESC's, battery connectors and such.

[Eric0424]

Any decent soldering iron will work, but the solder station and higher quality irons do a little better job and usually do it a little quicker. With a station you can dial in the heat you need/want for the specific job and with the good irons the tip heats up quicker, doesn't cool down as much while applying heat to the work and will also heat back up quicker. But the budget irons still get the job done, and the good budget irons will last for years.

Been using the TrakPower TK-950 station a little since Christmas and It's been great, have used it for both tiny delicate work (servo, fan, small circuits, etc.) and the bigger motor, battery and ESC wiring. Station included the 3.2mm chisel and 1.0mm pencil tips. Heats up really quick and holds it temp very well, sure seems like it's keeping the tip within the 1.8°F (1°C) they advertise. (haven't actually measured the actual temp yet)

Anyone looking for good solder station at decent price the TrakPower TK-950 would certainly be one to consider.

[sleddriver]

I have the Hakko FX888D, it works great. It has a ceramic heating element which is what you want for quickly heating up and tip heat recovery.

[PLATGOF]

I also own the Hakko FX88D and had a rough time with it, until I set it to factory reset, and it has been fine since. Heats up very quickly, and a very light cord as well.

[Eric0424]

Originally Posted by BEAR5OH

The digital model from LRP is pretty bad ass too. Has a sensor in the cradle that puts the iron into cool down immediately. When it comes out of the cradle, is heats up to temp in about 3 seconds or so. Digitally adjustable for temp in F and C.

For the record, I have the Trakpower and it's awesome.

B.

So far the TK-950's we bought in December are working flawlessly. We don't use them as much as we probably should but we've been using them for large and small work and they apply just the right amount of heat needed for the job(s). They hold their temp really well and recover quickly.

[PLATGOF]

I have really enjoyed my Hakko since rebooting it, and adding a larger tip. These are well made. A lot of folks really enjoy The TK-950. I have their soldering iron and it is too hot.

[Eric0424]

For those still looking for a solder station, TrakPower has a new TK955 digital station out now. Costs about $30 more than the TK950, has the same specs (60w, 392-896°F temp range) and includes the same accessories (tips, iron stand, decals, etc.). Also carries a 5-year warranty.

TrakPower TK955 Digital Soldering Station

It's also eligible for Tower's Hobbies Easy Pay plan.

TowerHobbies.com | TrakPower TK955 Digital Solder Station

[edgeverseRC]

I started out with a 30watt from walmart. Thats what I learned with. I now use a Hobbico 60watt.

[Eric0424]

Most of my soldering in the past was usually heavy gauge wire. 12, 10, 8awg and usually in the garage. So I used a pistol grip for years and it worked great on the motor and battery wires. After some time at DeVry I needed something smaller for lighter work, so started using a little Weller station my brother found at a thrift store for $5. Then last Christmas we both got the TrakPower units, just really great solder stations for fine detailed work and the heavy wire, still need the pistol for the garage though.

[PLATGOF]

The think I like about a soldering station is the small wires. Makes it much easier to handle it. I had to rebuild my transponder and it was nice to have the extra control.

[hammer0419]

Edsyn 951sx soldering station. Professional quality 95 watt iron. Absolutely love it.

[707offroad]

Originally Posted by 707offroad

I've been reading up on soldering irons and I've narrowed my search down to two. The first is the Weller P2KC butane portable soldering iron, the second is the Trakpower TK-950. My current setup is a craftsman soldering gun. I like the portability of the Weller but I'm not sure how well it will work soldering wires that have shrink tubing. The Trakpower looks like the winner, but the cord seems like it would be a pain in the ass. What kind of Iron do you have, and if you were to get another iron what would you get? Thanks!

Years later... I now have both the Trakpower TK-950 and the Weller P2KC.
I use the Weller P2KC non stop and the Trakpower hasn't been used since I got the weller.