Is this soldering iron any good?

markz

markz

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AGPtek 110V 60W Adjustable Electric Temperature Gun Welding Soldering Iron Tool +5pc Solder Iron Tips Kit
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00LSIPVQ6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=AUJBRIGYRJ3Q8&psc=1

the temp guage looks cheesy but I am hoping its as good as Princess Auto's Power Fist one with the red handle which had 2 screws to hold the tip in. The AGPtek tips look better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPQEln8kOaM



What about HobbyKings soldering irons.
Soldering Iron 1.jpg
Soldering Iron 2.jpg
 
I bought the one in your first circled photo a couple of years ago
Even on the highest setting with the largest tip (and 60-40 solder) it won't solder 10Ga wire.

It will do 12Ga if you are patient.

I like these for a low end soldering station... Own four of them for various places:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WELLER-WLC100-Station-Solder-5-40-W/381018482948?_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3Db3c1f2531a4f44359968b73ca94581ff%26pid%3D100506%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26
 
That last circled bottom iron I think is only 25W which states it can actually put out 50W.
The middle second one on the right has a dial, the thing is its HK and S/H from USA West is $20. So $40usd which is $55cdn, so I think I should just look for something on Amazon.ca that Amazon fullfills and get free s/h.
 
60w isn't bad, but for most ebike sized wiring, you'll probably want an iron that gets much hotter.

The problem with soldering irons is that the higher wattage they get, the bigger and more unwieldy they get to handle that wattage. One that is adjustable has to be the size needed for the hottest setting, so it becomes a pain in the arse to solder a new trace on a circuit board, or solder a splice on a hall sensor wire with a 25-100w iron.

There are two alternatives to that problem.
First option, get 2 soldering irons. a small but easily manageable one for small jobs, and a big one for big jobs. it actually works out better than having an adjustable iron, but it's not as cool.
Second option, ditch the cord. gas soldering irons are adjustable over a wider range, and even a 125 watt gas iron is smaller and easier to handle than a little 25 watt electric.
Here's 2 I'd recommend. The first is a 75 watt equivalent. the second is a 125 watt equivalent.
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-P2KC-Professional-Self-igniting-Soldering/dp/B000WOHSHM
https://www.amazon.com/PSI100K-Supe...=UTF8&qid=1483202145&sr=1-2&keywords=PSI-100K
I've got an older version of those that I've been using for decades. it works far better than electric.
 
I'm going for an older used Hakko.

That HobbyKing Hakko clone YiHUA is atrocious and hideous, but cheap and wont last.
 
The iron I rely on is not high wattage. It's just got a huge tip, it was for soldering stained glass. Works great for stuff like soldering bullets on 12-8 g RC wire. Look for those at the arts and craft place?

Any cheap fine tip iron works fine for the little stuff, bms wires, halls, etc.
 
dogman dan said:
The iron I rely on is not high wattage. It's just got a huge tip, it was for soldering stained glass. Works great for stuff like soldering bullets on 12-8 g RC wire. Look for those at the arts and craft place?
Any cheap fine tip iron works fine for the little stuff, bms wires, halls, etc.
Click to expand...
correct. i have a not adjustable iron with only 40w but a wide big tip. i can solder 10awg easily with it.
 
I have the second circled soldering iron in the pictures above.

Never really gotten it to work properly.

I recall there was a thread on this previously. Luke recommended an inexpensive soldering iron with a temperature boost function for the best results, which I've been meaning to buy....

[EDIT] https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15276&hilit=boost+soldering+iron+liveforphysics [/EDIT]
 
Lurkin said:
I have the second circled soldering iron in the pictures above.

Never really gotten it to work properly.
Click to expand...


Did you replace the very fine tip with something larger chisel shaped?

I have the Yihua 936? clone, works amazingly for under $20.
 
Cant remember. Was always unsure of what temperature would be most ideal, which I think was a key issue.

I think I achieved better results with solder with a higher lead content/ better brands? unknown brands/flux went straight in the bin from memory.
 
i just ordered that one. it's 40% off, 70W, and you get 5.2mm wide tips.
it's temperature controlled, and adjustable (with a turnable know, and no pita temp +/- buttons). has a power save feature as well.
welcome to my soldering iron collection :)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Adjustable-electric-soldering-iron-EU-Plug-CXG-DT70S-220V-70W-Internal-heating-Replace-HAKKO-Soldering-Station/32785588232.html

and here are the tips:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-Soldering-tips-C9-for-CXG-DS60S-DS90S-DS110S-lead-free-unleaded-soldering-iron-sting/32493775279.html
 
I know I bought tips, just cant remember whether I got round to using them or not.. will be building a pack in the near future so it'll get dragged out for more fun then 8)
 
I will go for LFP one
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15276&hilit=boost+soldering+iron+liveforphysics#p227297

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/21-8145&CAWELAID=220244247

Another "Guru" believer who has one
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15276&hilit=boost+soldering+iron+liveforphysics#p229185

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I was real tempted to buy that used Hakko for $45cdn + $11s/h but I would have needed an iron, cheap at $5 from China but I'd want a genuine iron, then the cost would be $25 or more then I'd just go with a brand new Hakko FX-888 for $125 however I dont solder much, I use a Weller 100W/140W and had a Princess Auto Power Fist adjustable one that worked alright its just the tips werent that great and it broke, the screws on the end that hold the tip in.

Another option I was pondering is buying the faceplate/PCB for the Hakko 936
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/HAKKO-936-Soldering-Iron-Station-Controller-DIY-for-907-Iron-A1321-Heating-Core-/181794950587?hash=item2a53d2cdbb:g:DRQAAOSwHnFVm4hX

and using an 24V adapter which I should have, if not MeanWells are good....... and buying an iron for $5.
Typing this out now I may go ahead and do that. Buy the LFP one and the parts needed for a Hakko clone, build my own case.

But if LFP loves his iron, I will buy it. I need a portable one.
 
K, I'm a beginner at soldering but let me say I tried several soldering irons including LFP. I eventually spent $100 and just got weller soldering station and was so easy. I knows it expensive but ended spending same amount after trying several irons. It's so user friendly.

See this on Amazon: http://a.co/9138bLH
 
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