Soldering for noob(s)!

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b0043

Junior Member
Nov 2, 2013
10
0
N.E. Scotland
Hi all.

In the new year, I would like to broaden my Xbox modding/repairing ability and am looking to purchase a reasonable quality soldering kit which would be suitable for a complete beginner.

I have a number of now duff electronics lying around that I can practice on before letting my self loose on something of value.:tongue:

I am in the UK and any assistance given would be greatly appreciated.
 
RayBray

RayBray

VIP Member
Oct 14, 2013
158
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some where between England and Franc
Re: Soldering for noob!

Hi Buddy.

Do not spend any more on your first soldering iron then you need to. You can pick all the items up from amazon for about £17. I would also recommend investing in some flux, you can usually pick some up from ebay for about £3, also look for some electronic flux opposed to pluming flux which will eat trough the PCB.

It's not the best equipment but it will get you started and when you get better at soldering then and only then invest in some professional equipment that could cost up to £300 per item.
 
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b0043

Junior Member
Nov 2, 2013
10
0
N.E. Scotland
Re: Soldering for noob!

Thanks for the speedy reply raybray. Is there a wattage range I should be looking at or is an adjustable temperature set up the way forward?
 
xzanox

xzanox

VIP Member
Nov 1, 2011
905
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Netherlands, 1336
Re: Soldering for noob!

Get a digital, easy adjustable temps) soldering station. Don't start cheap, do it good right away, you'll see it will be worth it. And btw, for 50-60 quid you got a very good digital, so it doesn't even have to be in the hundreds.
 
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jligg

jligg

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Mar 16, 2011
1,062
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Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Soldering for noob!

xzanox said:
Get a digital, easy adjustable temps) soldering station. Don't start cheap, do it good right away, you'll see it will be worth it. And btw, for 50-60 quid you got a very good digital, so it doesn't even have to be in the hundreds.
Click to expand...
Id have to agree. Dont start off with cheap junk. Get you a nice station to get used to. You can get a nice hakko station for under $100.
 
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mat1110

Senior Member
Jun 21, 2012
135
0
UK
Re: Soldering for noob!

jligg said:
Id have to agree. Dont start off with cheap junk. Get you a nice station to get used to. You can get a nice hakko station for under $100.
Click to expand...
Would also agree. I looked at hakko irons but could not find any uk stock anywhere when I purchased mine. I ended up buying a weller iron that was controllable. I found it was more important to find a soldering tip I was comfortable using
 
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JMSlate23

Full Member
Dec 2, 2011
74
0
Morristown, TN
Re: Soldering for noob!

I would never go back to a non-adjustable solder iron. I lifted several DB1F1 pads because my soldering skills were bad. I have learned a lot about soldering properly since I got an adjustable iron. People who can solder well can use about anything but as a noob I needed any advantage I could get.
 
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chronic1553

VIP Member
Jun 5, 2010
258
33
USA
Re: Soldering for noob!

long ago when I was using a cheapo radio shack 30w iron I was lifting pads, knocking resistors, all that fun stuff. As soon as I got a digital station that problem was no more. It seems like the non-adjustable ones will get much hotter then you may want them to, and fluctuate, but maybe I'm just crazy (i really am lol)
 
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b0043

Junior Member
Nov 2, 2013
10
0
N.E. Scotland
Re: Soldering for noob!

Hi folks.

Thanks for your input.

I contacted Karl at bgamods and I had a look at this soldering station which I will likely plump for unless anyone knows anything negative about it.

http://bgamods.co.uk/Soldering_Stations/Scotle_8586D

Another question is that what other accessories/consumables do you all recommend for your beginner solderer (is that a word?).

Thanks again
 
RayBray

RayBray

VIP Member
Oct 14, 2013
158
0
some where between England and Franc
Re: Soldering for noob!

b0043 said:
Hi folks.

Thanks for your input.

I contacted Karl at bgamods and I had a look at this soldering station which I will likely plump for unless anyone knows anything negative about it.

http://bgamods.co.uk/Soldering_Stations/Scotle_8586D

Another question is that what other accessories/consumables do you all recommend for your beginner solderer (is that a word?).

Thanks again
Click to expand...
Flux You will need flux
 
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Ian H

Senior Member
Feb 16, 2013
138
0
U.K.
Re: Soldering for noob!

I've got one of those, does everything I want it too. The main thing is practice, try different temps on different things and see what happens, it'll give you a good idea of were to start. Another thing is to relax while your soldering it's so much easier to do if your hands aren't shaking!!!!
Get some good small gauge solder too.
Have fun.
Merry xmas
Ian
 
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b0043

Junior Member
Nov 2, 2013
10
0
N.E. Scotland
Looks like I'm sold on the scotle! Should be more than enough for a beginner like me I would think. Will try and build up a collection of decent accessories to give my efforts the best chance of success and hopefully a new hobby!!
 
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