Recommendations for Soldering Station - Beginner/Hobbyist

impoze on 30/09/2019 - 16:55

Hi all,

Looking to pick up a soldering iron/workstation and looking for some recommendations as I haven't found too many deals on ozb.

No expert by any means, but have recently got a 3D printer and want to expand my setup. I sometimes need to solder some custom cables as well.

Would it be best to get the Mini TS80/TS100?

Thanks

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • User2049 on 30/09/2019 - 17:17

    Aldi often sells a really cheap set.

  • pasey25 on 30/09/2019 - 17:20
    +2

    I bought this a month or two ago and am happy as an upgrade from an iron

    Yescom 853D 3in1 Soldering ReWork Station SMD Solder Iron Hot Air Gun & DC Power Supply https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B075M68NY9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i…

  • Switchblade88 on 30/09/2019 - 18:51

    Anything basic with a temp controller knob will be perfectly fine - i.e. next step up from the plug-in 240v ones that are super cheap. Something like this for $20 isn't bad at all, or you can get digital temp controlled ones for $43 or so.

    I've got an old Dick Smith one that's been happily working for 15 years

  • coolroy on 30/09/2019 - 20:04

    Totally agree with pasey25..use the same unit myself works well & has the bonus of inbuilt variable psu that copes with most of my requirements.
    Yescom 853D 3in1 Soldering ReWork Station SMD Solder Iron Hot Air Gun & DC Power Supply for the win..& cheap too.
    Been reliable & easy to setup/use.

    • impoze on 30/09/2019 - 21:19

      thanks,

      they also sell a standalone soldering one but I guess the heat gun is handy for heatshrink? or could I just use the solder for that.

      had a closer look at the controls and don't know what half of those are for hah

      • afoveht on 30/09/2019 - 23:58

        Heat gun is for smt parts. No need for it if you won't be doing smt, especially rework - just means a bulkier unit.

  • iTzTeFish on 30/09/2019 - 20:28

    I love my ts100. It heats up so quickly and works well. Highly recommended

    • impoze on 30/09/2019 - 21:19

      what kind of power supply do you use it with?

      • iTzTeFish on 01/10/2019 - 07:19

        I brought it from Amazon us and it came with a laptop Power supply and I just swap the us side removable cable with a Aus one

  • bjdchwr on 30/09/2019 - 23:47
    +1

    I would recommend a proper soldering/rework station, rather than a portable TS100 portable one. You can buy some cheap brand like YiHua etc - I have used them for years and they are still going strong.
    This also applies to the oscilloscope or signal generator etc.
    I went through the same trap when I had my first oscilloscope as I bought the handheld multimeter, then DSO203. I was completed surprised when I got my DS1054Z.

    Of course, you can buy a small or portable one if you have a limited budget or have really constrained space.

    • afoveht on 30/09/2019 - 23:59

      This. If portability is necessary then go for it but if not you'll find the full size / bench tools so much easier to use.

    • impoze on 01/10/2019 - 00:41

      thanks, will get one of those yihua etc, looks like they are all the same. 936/937 etc.

  • dcuksuop on 01/10/2019 - 00:34

    I bought this from this seller a month ago, arrived really quickly, works great.
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/401205182210

  • impoze on 01/10/2019 - 00:39

    thanks for all the advice.

    will probably go for something like the one Dcuksuop linked to

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