SnidelyWhiplash
Friend of Leo's
I want to purchase a bigg tip soldering iron, at least 100 watts. Is there a good modern one to purchase or should I go with a vintage one from a reputable seller??? 
Soldering iron ?
- Thread starter SnidelyWhiplash
- Start date
Jon Snell
Tele-Afflicted
There are many to choose from. Here in the UK we have RS Components; https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/powe...oldering-irons/?applied-dimensions=4294885529
Mouser in the US stock Weller; https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/Weller/W100PG?qs=WvMo73J1q3wL/8V8tdBOhw==
(their part number 578-W100PG )
At least with a reputable seller, you have no warranty or spares availability worries.
Mouser in the US stock Weller; https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/Weller/W100PG?qs=WvMo73J1q3wL/8V8tdBOhw==
(their part number 578-W100PG )
At least with a reputable seller, you have no warranty or spares availability worries.
oregomike
Tele-Afflicted
I really like my Weller digital. Heats up very fast.I want to purchase a bigg tip soldering iron, at least 100 watts. Is there a good modern one to purchase or should I go with a vintage one from a reputable seller???
I want to purchase a bigg tip soldering iron, at least 100 watts. Is there a good modern one to purchase or should I go with a vintage one from a reputable seller???
I use a Weller and I like it a lot. Can't go wrong with one a those.
oregomike
Tele-Afflicted
Ah, that's the one. I actually wanted the dial version as I had heard it was more reliable, but my wife mistakenly picked the digital (was a gift). Luckily, it's been rock solid.
This one is 80W and very beefy
www.amplifiedparts.com
Soldering Iron - Weller SPG80L, 80 watts | Amplified Parts
The Weller SPG80L is a heavy duty 80 Watt soldering iron. It is ideal for soldering chassis connections in classic amps such as can capacitors and can be used in many other applications. This soldering iron has an indicator light that shows when the iron is turned on for safe use. The barrel is...
This one is 80W and very beefy
Soldering Iron - Weller SPG80L, 80 watts | Amplified Parts
The Weller SPG80L is a heavy duty 80 Watt soldering iron. It is ideal for soldering chassis connections in classic amps such as can capacitors and can be used in many other applications. This soldering iron has an indicator light that shows when the iron is turned on for safe use. The barrel is...
I have that one for the occasional job that requires a big iron and it's more than adequate. FYI, it will melt wire sponge tip cleaners like a Hakko 599B.
northernguitar
Poster Extraordinaire
Whatever you buy, if you end up with just an iron vs. a 'station', get yourself a stand. Those 'helping hands' gadgets are terrific as well.
nvilletele
Friend of Leo's
Some years ago, when I was doing wiring and such, I bought a Hakko soldering station thing. I did some small amount of research and the model seemed a good one at a reasonable price.
It worked great. I was always terrible at soldering though.
It worked great. I was always terrible at soldering though.
SnidelyWhiplash
Friend of Leo's
Just in case I need to replace a cap can, for instance.
I purchased one from HL today.
Maybe not the best, but I tested it & it works fine.
pi
Tele-Meister
I've got the same model.
Recommended.
dimkasta__
TDPRI Member
I wholeheartedly recommend a TS100 soldering iron. I use mine with my bench PSU at 24V and it's a beast. To get a power estimate, I see it pulling 3-4A during startup or during soldering big parts. Of course you can configure the temp according to the job, and it heats up to full temp in like 2-3 seconds. It also keeps up the temp excellently on huge loads like big metal parts. There is a huge selection of tips, and you can even use hakko ones. For anything bigger, I have a Dremel Versa Tip, but I have not used it in ages.
The only drawback is that it's really not ergonomic.
For reference, I also have an Ersa RDS 80 and a ZD-917 which I have not used in ages simply because of the performance of the TS100
The only drawback is that it's really not ergonomic.
For reference, I also have an Ersa RDS 80 and a ZD-917 which I have not used in ages simply because of the performance of the TS100
Mowgli
Tele-Meister
In addition to getting a good iron, consider getting an appropriate sized chisel tip, some type of flux (I use liquid, others use paste), the right solder, a brass coil and holder for tip cleaning, some solder wick and a solder sucker of some variety.
saw this one for 5 bucks on a flea market table, had to get it...
I think they use the big ones for lead light work, etc..
I think they use the big ones for lead light work, etc..
aging_rocker
Friend of Leo's
I used Weller irons professionally for years, never had any issues with the irons or the 'stations'. Can't really fault them.
Gary Gretsch
TDPRI Member
I have a Weller like this one. I also have a bottom of the line Pase. But for 100 watt I use a Weller 100PG and have a few tips for it. It does not get used.
Havins
TDPRI Member
I gave up on the little soldering irons because they take so long to heat up and cool down and if you leave them on too long they quit altogether. One of them I used to make a smoke machine to find leaks in car vacuum lines. It works good. Another I use to plastic weld. To solder wires I went back to my old Montgomery Ward Power Kraft soldering gun. It heats up almost instantly and works fantastic on guitar wiring. I've had it for over 25 years and it just keep going. If it ever quits I'll buy a Weller gun to replace it....
Swirling Snow
Tele-Meister
I've heard you want to keep soldering guns away from pickups unless you want to "age" them.
But yeh, low wattage irons are for electronics, not the electrical bits in guitars. You can't "get in and get out" if you have to wait for the heat to transfer.
But yeh, low wattage irons are for electronics, not the electrical bits in guitars. You can't "get in and get out" if you have to wait for the heat to transfer.
