Hi all,
Do you have some recommendations for a soldering station that would meet my needs?
I’ve been into hobby electronics for a few years, doing mostly analog audio projects but recently got into repairing and repurposing broken electronics (Bluetooth earbuds, speakers, USB cables and such).
I’ve been using a cheap Parkside(LIDL)-rebranded “generic Chinese product” (I came across the exact same model on AliExpress, in different colors); which has served me well until now but has a few flaws that I can’t be bothered with anymore. Mainly: -it takes ages to get hot. -the cable going from the station to the iron is super thick and stiff, which is annoying as hell…
I would like it to be the least expensive possible, while being good enough I’d be happy with it for the foreseeable future.
I have been looking at these:
Newer tech, “expensive” tips (8-10€)
And wondering how these “newer” types of iron compare to stations, what are the main drawbacks?
Thanks a lot in advance for any input, Please be gentle if you think I’m an idiot :)
Edit: changed the “Smolderin” in title to “soldering”
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I have a TS100 and am very satisfied with it. It’s successor is the Pinecil V2 which is probably better to buy now.
Get yourself the Pinecil V2. It’s cheap, open software and open hardware, works with USB-C so you can power it with a power bank with Quick Charge or Power Delivery, and it works beautifully. The tips are admittedly not cheap, but they’re great because the ceramic element is welded to the metal so the heat is transferred quick and efficiently. Oh, and they sell the spare parts. AFAIK you can get it directly at Pine64’s website, but probably also on Ali.
Modern cartridge style heaters are definitely worth the extra price. I have a Pace ADS200 myself and it’s great but a bit expensive.
I’ve heard good things about the Pinecil so definitely recommend that instead of any older style iron.
The Pinecil is nice for small projects and accurate work because of its size. It heats up in just a few seconds, and fits nicely in the hand. It’s USB powered, so you need a USB-C PD power source to run it, ideally with a long enough cable that it won’t get in your way.
If I had a need for frequent soldering, I would get one of the high-power models with a small pen, or at least one with a better cable. I like the Pinecil a lot, it’s really good at what I need out of it, but I think it needs some work before it becomes a good professional tool.
It also has a normal power jack, so you don’t have to use USB.
Yeah, one of those tiny barrel jacks. But it doesn’t come with an AC adapter, so you have to find one that matches.
Solder one on an old laptop power brick or get an adapter to run it from a 20V power tool battery.
You can use the Pinecil to solder a new wire onto itself!
That’s where my biggest hesitation lies: old style or cartridge. I hear that they’re better but I’m concerned about life-expectancy. Do you know how well those all-in-one tips age?
My tip is still fine, it’s seen at least weekly use for the 4 years I’ve had the iron. I don’t think spending 20 every 5 or so years is bad if it were to die soon