Soldering kits

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Most of my soldering will be limited to 1.8 scale, escs, batteries, or receiver wires. Nothing larger. The Hakko is really well reviewed and probably a nice option for limited soldering.
1/8 scale will use either 10g or 8g. 1/10 SCT will use 12g or 10g. 1/10 2wd may use 14g or 16g for smaller setups...

If you are referring to that cordless Hakko, I read some of the Amazon reviews, they seem to agree that it is about 10w, and is great if you are soldering 16g or smaller...

For 1/8 scale, try to get 60w or higher...
 
You need 3 basics for soldering, correct temp (semi controlled), something to hold your stuff (3rd hand or jig) and correct solder.

For myself that translates into 2 distinct soldering iron types.
Hakko for anything 16AWG and smaller, a standalone 50W for anything larger. For RC work I'd stay in the 40-65W range. Key here is that its a dedicated soldering iron and not a 'gun' type. Anything larger is just awkward to handle but will work.

I do not recommend these soldering guns (earlier post), you can't get any controlled heat out of them as it's just a short circuit wire heating up. I have one myself and it's been collecting dust for years, emergency use only. Overheating weakens the copper wire, burns out solder and melts high temp insulation. If it works for you, more power to you, it's hit and miss with these things.

Hakko works on larger gauge but is annoying to heat up for 30s or longer. You could change tips for better heat transfer or, if you are lazy like me, have a dedicated cheap one with a wider tip ($20 on Amazon).

Higher wattage basically means that it will transfer the heat faster. My goal is to always make a solderjoint in less than 3s, exception for filling up a cup with solder. Anything electronic your solderjoint should be perfect in less than a second.

You want 60/40 solder with rosin core. You must keep your tips clean and 'tinned' if it's not silver and shiny when at temp it's dirty and it will not work.

Make sure you get a stand to go with it!
 
If you are referring to that cordless Hakko, I read some of the Amazon reviews, they seem to agree that it is about 10w, and is great if you are soldering 16g or smaller...

For 1/8 scale, try to get 60w or higher...
what are your thoughts on this guy here? 65 watter.


https://www.amazon.com/NovelLife-Mi...pY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
[/QUOTE]
I have not used that one, but for $75, I would rather spend a bit more and get a proper soldering station like this one -
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WE101...eller+soldering+station&qid=1603582161&sr=8-5
Or even a non-digital Track-power-
https://www.amainhobbies.com/duratrax-trakpower-tk950-soldering-iron-station-dtxr0950/p1007611
 
The mini TS100 look interesting but it's no for heavier gauge wire, simply doesn't have the 'mass' to transfer the heat.
It's ok for field use and minor repairs on servo type wires.

The Weller is definitely the top of the line or 'up there'.

For the budget folks:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083K2JQQ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You do want a stand and something to clean (sponge). I will always prefer a station type for home use.
 
The mini TS100 look interesting but it's no for heavier gauge wire, simply doesn't have the 'mass' to transfer the heat.
It's ok for field use and minor repairs on servo type wires.

The Weller is definitely the top of the line or 'up there'.

For the budget folks:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083K2JQQ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You do want a stand and something to clean (sponge). I will always prefer a station type for home use.


Do you calibrate your stations?
 
A "third hand" jig is very valuable when soldering. I have basic ones like this $12 version -
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01902-...eywords=soldering+tools&qid=1603500001&sr=8-8

I also have one of these 6-arm jigs. Mine has a small fan on one arm, a light on another, and a small vice on a third. Looks cool, and is a bit more flexable in positioning stuff vs the older style.
https://www.banggood.com/NEWACALOX-...1450183.html?rmmds=category&cur_warehouse=USA
I bought one of those third hands once, I ended up tossing it in the trash because the base is too small and it kept tipping over on me. From what I have seen and heard the 6 or 8 arm ones are much much better.
 
I second the advise on those 3rd hand types. More trouble then they are worth. Return if you can.
Adjusting is a nightmare, they tip over and are just awkward.
 
I second the advise on those 3rd hand types. More trouble then they are worth. Return if you can.
Adjusting is a nightmare, they tip over and are just awkward.


yeah I didnt end up buying one of those, to be honest for the reasons stated here. They looked a little chincy. I like the station you sent along, mulling getting that one.
 
I second the advise on those 3rd hand types. More trouble then they are worth. Return if you can.
Adjusting is a nightmare, they tip over and are just awkward.
Each to their own.........but they’ve worked well for me.

F60091D1-079D-425B-8794-BBEE4977D3FF.jpeg
 
I bet it does but that is not the one from amazon, looks like it's screwed to the wood or you have a hefty base i.e. not a comparison.
I still find those screws a pita to work with but that is just me. You can always rig anything to make it work.
If it works for you, more power to you. Everyone has to make that call for themselves.
 
Last edited:
It would tip over as there is not much surface area at the base.


Makes sense...And supports the points earlier that those aren't the best for stability.
 
Old Thread: Hello . There have been no replies in this thread for 90 days.
Content in this thread may no longer be relevant.
Perhaps it would be better to start a new thread instead.
Back
Top