Topic: Soldering Iron Advice

[taylordb]

My guitar cable got caught around my car tire (don't ask  ) and snapped the end 1 foot off.
I know I could just go out and buy a new one, but I figured this is a good way to learn about making cables.  The 1/4" jack is in good condition.  I just need to get a soldering iron.

Can anyone give me some advice on the best kind of soldering iron to get...brand, where to buy, etc.  Or are they all pretty much the same?

Thanks in advace for any help.

Danny

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Wow, car tire!  I'd be suspect of that cable if it was put under that much strain.  Not sure how far you should cut it back but I'd guess at least a bit.

You should be able to get a cheap iron from rat shack for $10-$20. Just about any iron can solder guitar cables.  Don't use acid solder or acid flux. You might want to do some searches for tutorials on technique. It is easy to pickup bad habits and you should get some practice in before you do the cable.

For doing cables I'd go with at least 25 watts.  For smaller electronic stuff 25 watts is the max and generally the norm.  The $40 weller is better than the rat shack irons.

For circuit fab work I sprang for a Metcal PS-800 and it is a dream. Night and day compared to conventional temp controlled irons I have used. It heats with high freq energy and compensates very quickly for thermal load. But about $200.

[moooose]

weller. I like them!

[taylordb]

Thanks guys, much appreciated!
Yeah, one end of my cable fell off of my back seat and out the door as I was closing it.  Then when I drove off the tire grabbed it...since it was pinched at the door jam it just snapped it off there.
I'll cut back a few feet of the cable before I put the jack back.
If it doesn't work, at least I have a new toy   

Thanks again!

[Nick's Picks]

I have been using crappy irons forever.  Def. need to spring for a good station.
there is an iron setup sold at parts express that has a variable temp iron, multi-meter and adjustable power supply all in one unit.  its not a professional product as I really need, but I like it just the same.

[willndmb]

Thanks guys, much appreciated!
Yeah, one end of my cable fell off of my back seat and out the door as I was closing it.  Then when I drove off the tire grabbed it...since it was pinched at the door jam it just snapped it off there.
I'll cut back a few feet of the cable before I put the jack back.
If it doesn't work, at least I have a new toy   

Thanks again!

geez danny
i thought maybe you were playing on top of the car like dispatch at msg

[frostdotcom]

I do a lot of install work and have a couple of wellers and some cheapo radio shack irons.  They all work fine but since I bought a hakko, I dont turn anything else on.  its so small and comfortable in your hand.  like holding a nice pen.  you can paint with it and make really good joints.  too expensive for someone just learning but a nice iron for those who would use it more.

Frost

[TNJazz]

I do a lot of install work and have a couple of wellers and some cheapo radio shack irons.  They all work fine but since I bought a hakko, I dont turn anything else on.  its so small and comfortable in your hand.  like holding a nice pen.  you can paint with it and make really good joints.  too expensive for someone just learning but a nice iron for those who would use it more.

Frost

+1

I have a 936 and I love it.  Don't know how I soldered before I got it.  Oh wait, yes I do...BADLY !

[schoepsnbox]

Another endorsement for the Hakko 936, Nice soldering station with adjustable heat.