Which soldering station

In , we tested eight soldering irons at the Nordeast Makers makerspace in Minneapolis, which has a dedicated soldering table and good ventilation. Our testing took place at an apartment with a window open and a fan on for ventilation; it was 10 degrees outside, which likely increased heat-up times compared with the hot makerspace, so we tested the new models against our picks and collected new data for all of them. We measured how long we took to set up each soldering iron.

Whereas some required zero assembly and some had simple pieces to snap together, other models had poorly cut components that made setup take much longer than we expected. To test the temperature range of each iron, we used a Hakko FG tester. We also used the Hakko tester to measure how long each iron took to reach degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough for electronics work. We measured the temperature at each marker on their control knobs, as well.

This through-hole kit includes a microcontroller, a battery holder, and nine LEDs that you must solder to a circuit board. We also considered how comfortable each iron was to hold, including how thin and padded the handle was and whether the handle felt hot.

We evaluated the sturdiness of all the stands, as well; we found that stands that were too light and prone to sliding around on the work surface felt less safe to use.

Finally, we looked for longer cords and useful accessories. Plus, the iron felt easy and comfortable for us to use, and its included station is sturdy, with a place for every accessory. A faster heat-up time means you get to start soldering faster, and it also means that the tip will return to its working temperature more quickly between each joint.

Its lowest temperature was also average, though a lower temperature is necessary only for more delicate electronics. Like all of the irons we tested except for the Vastar, the X-Tronic soldering iron came with only a single conical tip, but it was thin enough to work well with the Larson Scanner Kit. X-Tronic sells additional tips, and our pick is compatible with Aoyue and Hakko tips, too. The display made it especially easy for us to track whether the iron was hot enough for use and to tweak the temperature accordingly.

Each instance was annoying but passed within a few seconds, and the X-Tronic recovered about as quickly as the other inexpensive models we tested. If you want an iron that rebounds faster, consider paying more for the Hakko FXD. The X-Tronic Model XTS took a little over two minutes to set up, mostly due to the solder holder that attaches to the side of the station, which proved to be stubborn for us. The Hakko FXD heats up fast and quickly rebounds in temperature while soldering, allowing you to solder continuously without waiting for the iron to get hot again.

It comes with a digital display plus a thin pen that is easy to hold and stays cool to the touch. Its molded-metal-and-plastic soldering station and stand feel heavier and more durable than the other options we tested. We also like that the station and stand are separate so you can free up space in your immediate work area. We also noticed that its tip returned to temperature slightly faster than that of the X-Tronic, so we had to wait less between soldering joints.

The iron we bought came with a small wedge-style tip, which worked okay for the Larson Scanner Kit. Hakko also sells many compatible and inexpensive tips for the FXD; we recommend picking up a thinner conical tip for even more precise control.

As was the case with the Model XTS, it always stayed cool to the touch. The station also gives you the option to set passwords if multiple people are using it. Setting up the FXD took 22 seconds, one of the fastest times among the stations we tested. It is the only station design we tested that separates the soldering iron stand from the station.

That allows you to keep just the stand in your immediate work area, freeing up more space for your project and supplies. Both the stand and station are heavy with grippy feet that hold them firmly in place, and they are made of molded plastic and metal with well-placed spots for a sponge and cleaning wire.

We also appreciated the fun blue and yellow color combination. If you decide to buy an FXD, be alert for counterfeits, which are rampant on sites like Amazon. Hakko publishes a page of retail stores and authorized partners that stock its products. It could be worth the effort of going to a store in person to make sure you get the real deal.

But its handle got uncomfortably warm in our tests, and its included stand is unstable. Even so, the Vastar offering is a decent option if you want everything you need aside from a sponge and a nicer stand in one set: It comes with five tips, a desoldering pump, a basic stand though we recommend replacing it with the Hakko FH stand if you plan to use it regularly—and at that point it would be cheaper to buy the X-Tronic Model XTS , tweezers, and solder.

In our tests, the watt Vastar iron got hot enough in a reasonable amount of time for us to work on the Larson Scanner Kit, with a heat-up time of 1 minute 23 seconds and the highest maximum heat. Like the other irons, the Vastar held its temperature for the most part—only once or twice did its temperature drop noticeably, requiring us to wait a few seconds for it to heat back up, just like with the X-Tronic model. Although the iron itself is thin enough to hold comfortably, the base of its handle was one of the warmest we tested.

I found myself scooting my hand farther up the iron, pausing my soldering concentration periodically to think about my hand placement. We recommend the Hakko FH The solder provided with the Vastar iron was so useful that we ended up using it throughout testing. The included solder was thinner than the Alpha Fry solder, however, which made daintier work feel easier.

You can buy similar replacement tubes at reasonable prices. Keep in mind that solder melts at around degrees. Nevertheless, most soldering stations offer temperatures from around to degrees. Irons should consistently maintain a temperature. Spikes and dips can permanently damage some equipment. A soldering station base should be sturdy and concise. There should be room for a control station, a soldering iron hookup, an iron stand, and a cleaning station.

Anything beyond that is usually considered overkill. On another note, soldering station bases may consist of one solid piece or two smaller parts. No matter what type of base you opt for, make sure that it improves the maneuverability and performance of your soldering iron. Keep an eye out for solid soldering pen and tip combos.

Most soldering stations come with a built-in iron. A sign of a good-quality iron is a firm rubber grip with an ergonomic design. Make sure to check what type of bits your soldering iron is compatible with. You may need to alternate the type of tip you are using to better suit your goal or extend the life of your iron. Some brands can be expensive, while others are lackluster.

Ideally, your soldering station is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket options. Your soldering station should include a place for you to rest your hot iron when you need to set it down. The safest type of iron holder consists of stainless steel and resembles a metal coil. The soldering iron holder should be set apart from the temperature control panel.

These elements are an important part of the soldering process. They provide users with a safe place to remove unneeded solder from the tip of a soldering iron. Stations of this quality should last several years or hold out through a large number of applications. They are the best option for DIYers or professional repairmen on a budget. A quick look at soldering stations will reveal a redundant quality, anti-static elements. Oftentimes, these stations boast EDS-safe labels.

This means the materials used to manufacture the station do not foster electrostatic discharge. The build-up of static can lead to electric shock, so you can only imagine the importance of finding a station that meets this qualification. Iron coatings prevent soldering irons and their tips from oxidizing. Oxidation is a natural effect of soldering, but preventing it can extend the life and reliability of your soldering station elements. Always opt for iron coated tips when given the choice.

Anti-static tweezers are often used by first-time welders who want to prevent heat and energy from traveling to sensitive parts of a circuit board they are working on.

Of course, more experienced soldering experts can prevent applying heat poorly by regulating the temperature of their soldering iron and limited the time they apply it. Soldering is a surprisingly easy process. If you are an inexperienced welder, you should take the time to read instruction manuals. Soldering irons are extremely hot. Some even heat up to over degrees. So, in short, the answer is yes. If you have any major concerns, they should be safety related.

With that said, soldering irons need well-ventilated areas. Appropriate safety equipment for soldering includes gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. A soldering station is a great addition to almost any home workshop or hobby station. These incredible devices integrate all the most important soldering components into one condensed package.

As such, they make soldering easier, safer, and more organized. We hope that our rundown of the top ten soldering irons helped you to find the perfect product. Of course, you can always use your buying guide to help you make the best possible purchase. My hobby is electronic circuits and soldering irons. Please help us improve this review! Nowadays, a lot of people deal with small details that cannot be welded. Soldering is a popular way to fix very small details and electronic devices. To achieve the best results it is always important to use high-quality tools.

Proper soldering process requires to have the base, iron, and cleaning materials. If you do not…. I am only a hobbyist, but I still noticed the difference when I invested in a quality soldering station to add to my workplace. Having all the tools and materials you need in one place is really helpful, and you can find a good station at an affordable price at most hardware stores. These are great soldering stations. They make a great addition to any home workshop or hobby station.

Helping you to organize your soldering components is great when it comes time to dive into a project. I got a station from Amazon a few months ago. Soldering stations are a great way to keep all of your soldering necessities in one place.

There is nothing better than them. My personal favorite out of all of these must be the Hakko Digital Station. It works great and heats up incredibly fast. The Weller soldering station WLC is perfect. It is powerful, compact and can reach up to degrees which means you can finish a lot of projects with this just one station.

It has an analog temperature dial, a coiled pencil holder and an iron. You surely will not find a UL-certified soldering station for this kind of money. Regarding which soldering iron to purchase, I wonder if you can comment on reliability of these brands at all.

I was disappointed to find many brands that seem to be of reasonable quality still quite a lot of reviews describing critical product failures, like melting components or burnout.

Are there any that can be counted on to last more than a year, or should I just expect a soldering iron to be something that will require replacement fairly frequently? I only listed soldering stations and irons, which I used for a long time, so that will last for more than one year. It also has an adjustable analog-style soldering iron with either a 9mm or 12mm tip.

The iron is nice, but the real selling point for me is the adjustable temperature control. Your email address will not be published. Skip to content. Some circuit boards require lower temperatures than others, and if you have a go at them with a standard do-all soldering iron, you stand a good chance of destroying them.

Analog temperature settings use a dial that you turn manually to the desired temperature—and they sometimes miss the mark. To gauge accuracy, you must measure the temperature with a temperature gun at the tip, and adjust accordingly. Digital temperature settings, generally pricier than analog, can calibrate for easier use.

Simply adjust the temperature with the machine and check the temperature at the tip. This is a far more convenient way to ensure the correct temperature time after time. Most DIY soldering irons non-station have wattage ratings between 15 and 25 watts, while some stations can be as high as 75 watts.

This rating determines how long a soldering iron will take to heat up and how well it will maintain its heat in a given situation. Solder with a watt model and you would be able to move from joint to joint much quicker.

This recovery rate is directly related to the wattages, so DIYers looking to solder an entire circuit board will find higher wattages to be the most useful. For those creating wiring looms for vehicles or trailers, a lower wattage or standard iron would work. The reasons for lower temperatures are many. Among the most important, cranking a soldering iron up to as hot as it can go will surely burn out the tip, creating an oxidized and misshapen tip that will lose its effectiveness.

And some components handle heat better than others. If you purchase a contact-style soldering station, the iron must have replaceable tips.

Some tips work better in certain scenarios. For example, a chisel tip may be best suited for heating large joints and removing parts. At the same time, a fine point is more suitable for heating tiny joints without affecting the other joints around it. Many soldering stations are sold in kits that include a variety of tips.

Electronic work can be an exciting hobby. These include a hands-free holder that holds a workpiece in place while you heat or melt the solder and a tip cleaner that removes flux from the end of your soldering iron, keeping your joints cleaner for minimal resistance. To help combat oxidation, soldering pros use flux: a chemical cleaning agent that helps prevent oxidation and promotes the flow of solder, allowing the solder to attach itself more easily to the joint. The best option is to use hollow soldering wire with a rosin core; rosin is a flux chemical that helps the solder flow and reduces the effects of oxidation.

Soldering creates fumes and smoke. Pre-tinning is the action of melting a bit of solder onto the wire end first before soldering it to the board. This ensures that the tip of the wire is oxidation-free, and it allows the solder to attach faster to finish with a far more reliable result.