Soldering iron ?

I use the weller wlc100 40w. w/adjustable temp.
it works great and I use it because a lot of people
recommended it.and they were right,im very happy with it.

 

I think I use the same one...around $40 on Amazon

 

Weller wes51

 

STEWMAC.COM - Solomon SR-965 Soldering Iron

 

with headlights.



Weller LED 40w

 

Hakko makes a good iron, for a good price too.

 

Just dont use a soldering gun...

 

Same here.

 

This is the one I have.. You can pickup tips from Frys..

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-937-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B000I30QBW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1413618005&sr=8-3&keywords=Aoyue+solder+station]Aoyue 937+ Digital Soldering Station - ESD Safe includes Spare Element UPDATED VERSION!! - Soldering Iron - Amazon.com[/ame]


I would get this one if I was on a budget.
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Variable-Soldering-Station-Removable/dp/B00MCVCHJM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413618078&sr=8-2&keywords=Aoyue+solder+station[/ame]

 

Believe it or not but I use this
Xytronic 30 Watt Pro Soldering Iron- Incredible Quality!
I've had it for 8 years now
I've built 2 amps ,15 effect pedals rewired atleast 50 guitars ,& ??????
.......................Oh yeah soldered over 1000 pickups leads with it .
I've even bought a spare but has only used it when my "old faithful" needed the tip replaced .
Max bang for the buck .

 

You use the hook up wire?

 

This is what I use, I've also heard the Hakko's are decent.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WESD51-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B000ARU9PO/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413701099&sr=8-2-fkmr2&keywords=Soldering+Station%2C+60W%2C+Digital%2C+350-850+F"]Weller WESD51 Digital Soldering Station - Soldering Irons - Amazon.com[/ame]

 

I use this and it works just fine . Not a lot of $$$ and i've delt with the company for a few years Never a problem and they ship fast and always correct . IMO worth having a heat controler , big time. It makes my soldering the best i can get it . since getting it , I've never burned a pot . Not 1 and at the price of some pots like RS ($16.00 Super pots , that adds up quick) , it pays for itself if you solder a lot of have a few guitars you swap parts in alot.
For me the heat controler is 1 of the best investments i've made for my tools. And I have a few tools

Weller WLC100 | Non-ESD-Safe Soldering/Rework Stations

 

WES51 for me: Weller WES51 Analog Soldering Station | eBay

I saw VooDoo amps uses them, so I figured it was good enough for me. $87 delivered isn't bad. I like that it's temperature-adjustable and the wand is easily replaced. I figured if I'm gonna buy one for life, might as well make it a good one.

 

Radio Shack 20/40

 

What hook up wire ?
If you referring to GFS hook up wire then No I don't use it .

 

Are you keeping your tip tinned?


The only iron I have ever used that burned through tips like no tomorrow is the one that ginger beer posted.


I currently use one of theses:


EDSYN 951SX Soldering Station


I got mine for about $90 CAD

 

If you saw what I started with, the sponge was a step up.

 

I use a standard Weller 40 watt iron. The only time I've ever used a soldering gun on a guitar was before I got the Weller and my old iron wouldn't heat the trem claw enoughto solder the ground wire on. Now everything is done with the Weller. Someday I may spring for a soldering station, but not anytime soon...

L8R,
Matt