Soldering iron

[Gahr]

I need a new soldering iron for guitar work. How many watts should I go for?

 

[smitty_p]

I like something in the 40 - 45 watt range. You don't necessarily need that much power just to join wires to terminals. But, if you try to solder something, like a braid, to the back of a pot, you need something that can get the pot up to temp quickly. You can actually do more damage with an undersize soldering iron because you have to hold the iron on a part for a longer time.

 

[Gahr]

I like something in the 40 - 45 watt range. You don't necessarily need that much just to join wires to terminals. But, if you try to solder something, like a braid, to the back of a pot, you need something that can get the pot up to temp quickly. You can actually do more damage with an undersize soldering iron because you have to hold the iron on a part for a longer time.

Thanks! My current one is only 30W, and it's a pain in the butt.

 

[smitty_p]

I just have a cheapie Radio Shack soldering iron. If you want more flexibility, get something like a Weller soldering station that allows you to adjust the temperature.

 

[Gahr]

It's not very likely that I'll be using it for anything more advanced than swapping pickups, so I don't need anything fancy, really. Just a bit more power than my current iron has.

 

[jtcnj]

I plan on adding a hi wattage cheap gun to do grounds to pots, etc. Removing potted pickup covers (!!) OR, try this one again first on full blast.

But, I got this recommended to me over at AGF, used it to build 2 tube amps and 1 pedal , some guitar work so far.
No complaints. I bought extra tips but have not burnt one up yet.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MCVCHJM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Gahr]

I'm at the mall right now, so I went and bought a cheap 40W one.

 

[smitty_p]

Actually, jtcnj's link to a 60 watt isn't a bad idea.

I get by with a 40 watt. But, the 60 watt isn't bad, either.

 

[JohnnyGoo]

I use exactly what Smittys using.Radio Shack 40 watt. i use it for the exact reasons.

 

[BGood]

Jeez Gahr, you still at the mall ?
Now they tell you ! Go back to the store and get a 60 watter.

 

[Gahr]

No 60 watter at "my" mall. Only 30, 40, 100 and 150.

And I'm long gone anyway. I don't spend more tine there than absolutely necessary...

 

[BGood]

I think you'll do fine. If not enough, plug it on 240.

 

[Gahr]

I think you'll do fine. If not enough, plug it on 240.

I'm in Norway. 230V here.

 

[smitty_p]

I think the 40 will be fine. I stepped up to a 40 watt from a 25 watt and was really pleased with the upgrade.

 

[JohnnyGoo]

40 watts works so much better for soldering to the control pots.

 

[jtcnj]

40 watts works so much better for soldering to the control pots.

Exactly you need to lay down enough heat locally and quickly before it spreads out and melts everything else. Like HB wax potting...... (facepalm)

 

[jjudas]

I have a 40 watt Weller that I've had for many years...still going strong and a 30 watt ? brand that I bought at Auto Zone.

 

[Gahr]

Mine's a Weller too.

I just bought a used 57 Classic pickup that I might try in my Special Faded instead of the 490R, so I'll probably get to test the iron pretty soon. I'll get the pup sometime next week.

 

[Hackmaster]

I have a 40 watt for general work and a 25 watt for delicate circuit boards.

 

[wax]

I wish I could recommend the Weller Portasol butane models - they get up to very high temp in seconds, and no cord to melt, but I've had two of them and they bioth crapped out within a few hours of use.