Soldering stations - which one?

Soldering stations - which one? - Printable Version

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Soldering stations - which one? - Top Down - 18th-Dec-25

Now I've got my bench back in use I'm using my soldering iron more but it's just that, a soldering iron with a fixed temperature, fixed tip and a hook that just about fits over the handle on one of the workbench drawers - but frequently ends up on the floor! It's also rather clumsy to use (more likely I'm a clumsy user of it) and doesn't have sufficient reach to get inside things without the danger of melting other things on the way to the target point!

I'd like something a bit safer and more versatile, with a 'parking spot' that minimises the risk of me burning myself, or it dropping on the work surface or floor!.

I'm a casual and occasional user, not a brass chassis builder so it doesn't need to cost the earth. Currently its main use is for soldering ferrules and motor wires plus heat sealing plastic parts in anything from 1/24 down to HO scale, so I'm looking for interchangeable tips and a longish tip reach as it's too easy to melt HO body parts when trying to heat weld deeper in their bodyshells.

I have looked at reviews online but they lose me very early on as I don't know what temperature range or wattage I need. One particular make had several virtually identical stations ranging from £30-ish up to £140-ish and all that seemed to vary was those figures - temp/watts/heating time.

Very long winded way to ask but can anyone suggest a reasonably priced compact-ish and versatile soldering work station to suit please?

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - Kevan - 18th-Dec-25

I keep seeing these advertised - TS101

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/277301740340

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - JMay - 18th-Dec-25

I have a Tabiger iron (Amazon UK choice) these are cheap and cheerful 65W adjustable temperature irons supplied with a stand in a kit for £15 that take a standard tip (replacement tips Saipor 10 tips £6.59) and are ideal for soldering PCB components, motor leads etc, etc. I replaced the supplied Tabiger tip with a Saipor one as better quality and this tip has lasted more than 12 months of light soldering without issue.

Cheers
John

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - KensRedZed - 18th-Dec-25

I bought a Weller.

No one ever said "I bought the best. Now I regret it". Thumbup

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - DPJ - 18th-Dec-25

I have a Weller also and love it. Actually, this is a picture of the old unit - I replaced this unit with a newer version that’s digital.

[attachment=45285]

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - Johnno - 18th-Dec-25

I'm using the Hakko FX888D, as you can see it is discontinued but replaced with updated model. This iron is terrific to use, it has improved my bad soldering to something much serious now, improvements, less melting other items etc all because of this Hakko.

With the digital display and adjustable temperature, to some high heat, you can melt away that factory high tin based solder with ease and little extra heat. I really like the detachable iron with a very solid connector.

https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888d.html
[attachment=45288]

Johnno

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - Eddie Grice - 19th-Dec-25

https://www.rapidonline.com/catalogue/search?query=soldering%20station

If soldering brass and piano wire best to get a large chisel tip with the iron.

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - Top Down - 19th-Dec-25

Several options here already. Thank you all.

Not building my own, or kit, brass chassis so it doesn't have to be 'high end'.

Need to look up what '900 series tips' are now though. Talking

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - Top Down - 19th-Dec-25

Well, made me look at the one I have. Turns out it's an Antex CS18 240v with a 2.5mm chisel tip.

Had the thing for Donkeys years and never knew, as the hanging hook was covering the name. Turns out the hook can be rotated AND the chisel tip can be extended along the heating element!

I'll be trying it like that to see if it's just to facilitate fitting a replacement tip, or whether it is to extend the reach and will still heat up ok.

Thumbup

RE: Soldering stations - which one? - chrisguyw - 19th-Dec-25

(19th-Dec-25, 04:05 PM)Top Down Wrote: Well, made me look at the one I have. Turns out it's an Antex CS18 240v with a 2.5mm chisel tip.

The Annex CS18 is a decent iron for precision circuit board work, and at 18W it should be fine for your light duty soldering needs (tinning/soldering lead wires)

If you do ever get the urge to do any scratcbuilt chassis work, you will definitely need something "beefier"

Cheers
Chris Walker

PS at only 18W it will serve you well to keep the tip clean and tinned, and use 60/40 (low melting point) rosin core solder.