Soldering Iron - What To Buy?

[Artisan]

 

I want to get a soldering iron but I see that there are many types. Could someone suggest what specification would be suitable for soldering wire to track for power connection and also recommend a suitable solder?

As you can see I know little about this subject!!

[Papyrus]

As another inexperienced and cack-handed solderer, I can recommend this:

https://www.rapidonline.com/Anvil-AV-A48W-Adjustable-Analogue-48W-Solder-Station-85-5900?IncVat=1&pdg=pla-301834897630:kwd-301834897630:cmp-757438067:adg-44804851896:crv-207912323492:pid-85-5900:dev-c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsZTTyuKG3wIVluJ3Ch12mgOmEAQYAiABEgLxhvD_BwE

It's cheap as chips but still has temperature control and is fine for occasional use.

I don't know much about solder except to avoid lead-free!

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Chris

[ntpntpntp]

Soldering stations are great for bench work on electronics etc.  but for general soldering around the layout I'd suggest an Antex or Weller iron of around 20-25 watts power, with a couple of alternative sized bits including a small 2mm and a larger bit.   My weapon of choice for the last few decades has been a trusty Antex 18 watt job.

Use standard electrician's tin/lead solder with a flux core (not plumber's solder) and avoid the lead-free stuff as it's it's not fun to work with. Have a tub of flux paste available (though you won't usually need it for electrical joints, a tiny amount is good for things like soldering rail to screws or copper strip at board joints etc.).  Use something like a brass or fibreglass cleaning pen to clean the work before you solder.   Have a damp sponge available to clean the tip regularly in between making joints.

Get a decent weighted stand to hold the iron in between joints. Avoid the frustrating cheap lightweight stands which fall over or move all over the place!

Oh, and a solder sucker is a useful tool for when you need to remove solder from a joint!

[Lawrence]

I would give the same advice I have always given @Artisan buy a Weller soldering iron, the best you can afford. I have used them all throughout my career and never been disappointed, I realise they are not cheap but quality comes at a price. Get one with variable temperature settings
As for solder, get yourself flux cored, colophony free solder, there are many varieties.
Some folks prefer the little mesh ball for tipping cleaning but I have always used a proper sponge, well dampened with tap water.

[themadhippy]

As above either antex or weller, im an antex fan.One tip avoid pvc flex ,silicon rubber is much more flexible,and doesn't  melt so easily  if the hot tip and flex accidentally  make contact

[PLD]

Antex is the preferred brand for me, but a Weller won't disappoint.

Go for a 25 watt as a good all-rounder - good for general wiring, soldering droppers to track etc, thin etched brass kits. Any flux cored solder should do, don't worry too much at this stage about different types and melting points.

Finally, if you're new to soldering practice - practice - practice on bits of scrap wire and track before getting too ambitious on the layout.

[Yet_Another]

+1 for 25W Antex with silicone lead. 

[stevewalker]

I have both an Antex CS and a Weller (similar to the WTCP51 but older).

Both are good. I prefer the Weller (only a little), but the Antex is more portable, as it is a simple mains iron, while the Weller is 24V and has a separate 240V base station.

Both have lasted - I've had the Antex for about 25 years, while the Weller is at least 35 years old (the one my father has is older than me - and I'm 52!).

[Chrisn]

Hi New to N Gauge. Sorry to Jump onto the end of this thread. I've done a lot of soldering in the past with gas and electric soldering irons. Never have I used them for model railways. I'm after a bench with variable control. I want to scratch build make etched brass kits and wiring. Any recommendations for which iron to go for? Thanks in Advance

[Malc]

I bought one similar to this a few years ago.
WEP 939D+ PROFESSIONAL 75W DIGITAL SOLDERING IRON STATION ESD SAFE LEAD FREE UK °F /°C https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0748L82C1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_I5YYCbZK4MJ1Z

[Lawrence]

One word - Weller

[JanW]

Weller is good but avoid the wp1 (wp1002) 80W station.
I have used Weller stations professionally for more than 25 years and the older 50W versions are much better than the new ones. The new ones simply do not transfer the heat fast enough when needed.
But for the layout I very much prefer my Ersa tip 260 16W iron (similar to an Antex) over the Weller 50W station.
It is only when I need more heat (bigger metal parts) that I use the Weller.

Jan

[Dorsetmike]

I've still got a temp controlled Weller I gqt in the early 1980s, built white metal kits with it, soldered wire to track, built a few controllers among other things.

[Chrisn]

Thank you for the feed back. I'm guessing Antex isn't any good these days? I will have a good look into what's best for myself using the advice.

[ntpntpntp]

I'm guessing Antex isn't any good these days?

Nothing wrong with Antex, my trusty 18W iron is still my weapon of choice for track laying and layout wiring work, but on my workbench I have a Maplin temp controlled station for working on electronics etc.

I've also got a little Parkside (Lidl) rechargable iron (£10 or £15 something like that), I was pleasantly surprised how well it it works so that now travels in my toolbox to exhibitions instead of the Antex in case of emergencies! I bought some additional tips from Germany, they cost me more than the iron!