Soldering Irons and Solder

[KAM]

Any reccomendations. I had an iron for years without problems. All the new replacements burn out very quickly and are impossible to tin.

 

[StefanSG]

Weller are a good reliable brand. If you’re working on board you might want cordless/gas
Good luck
SSG

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

Any reccomendations. I had an iron for years without problems. All the new replacements burn out very quickly and are impossible to tin.

Recommend me a Soldering Iron

 

[Praxinoscope]

Weller are a good reliable brand. If you’re working on board you might want cordless/gas
Good luck
SSG

Usually they are. But I made the mistake of buying their battery operated portable unit, it’s useless, it will just about melt the solder, but hasn’t the ‘oomph’ to heat even small terminals sufficiently to achieve a good solder joint.
I have an old small cheap gas powered one that is refilled using gas lighter refills, this works very well, will provide a good joint on even medium size terminals, but it’s on the boat at the moment and I can’t get down to it for a couple of weeks so can’t help with the make or model for a while.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I have 2 did have 3 the third one being a gas one similar to Praxinoscope, it was useful when away from 240V but was useless outside (on the boat) although it did have a blade that was useful for cutting and sealing ropes but an old hacksaw blade and the gas cooker was just as good if not better. I obtained it fro RS.
The other two are both 240 volt and I have had them for years, the first is a small one with a pointed bit and the second is larger with the conventional chisel type bit used for larger work. Solder has changed with the introduction of lead free solders and now has a slightly higher melting point which should really cause few problems except if the soldering iron is a very low wattage, the other problem is that the lead free solders dissolve copper quite quickly so if you are working on a circuit board with thin copper strip if you aren't adept and quick with your technique you might find that the strip has disappeared.
30 to 50 W is regarded as a reasonable power for a soldering iron.

I used to have a 4th iron inherited from one of the family it was a big thing that was used for industrial or perhaps roofing work the tip was iron about an inch square with a pointed tip and heated in a flame, I threw it out on a workshop clearance many years ago.

 

[Bilgediver]

You can get 60/40 lead solder on Amazon and Ebay just don t chew the solder wire

 

[kalanka]

I also rate a catalytic gas soldering iron, and in contrast to the above comment, find it works very well on deck. Bit of breeze generates lots of heat at the tip.

 

[peteK]

I use a 240v powered through an inverter from 12v battery,

 

[Slowboat35]

Is there a difficulty in obtaining proper solder?
Should I stockpile some?
I don't want to find myself stuck in the world of fake, ineffective substitutes like for creosote, gunk or MEK

 

[gregcope]

I have a TS-80 USB C powered soldering iron. It heats very quickly and keeps its temperature.

Powered from a usb battery pack.

 

[TSB240]

Rothenberger Micro Soldering Iron & Torch Kit

Works in a gale outside. Doesn't self ignite so I keep it with my refillable rope end sealing lighter and spare gas. Solder is good.

 

[Ademist]

Sailing Melody has an excellent tutorial on soldering and soldering irons / solder in this episode S2 ep 57 (at 7min 27sec)

 

[requiem]

I'm happy with a (corded) Weller 70 Watt iron, but see the appeal of a cordless unit.

PACE has a set of instructional videos online that some may find helpful: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT5e-XjqHPfA3_9wF3CgY1w

 

[gregcope]

Sailing melody dad uses a Ts-100 which is similar to the ts-80. Difference being connector and power range. I went for the ts-80 as usb-c power packs and cables are easy to source.

i enjoyed that video and learnt some things. Thanks for posting it @Ademist.

 

[Stemar]

I've had a 12v job for years. It works fine with a well-charged battery.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I've got one of these: LEXIVON Butane Soldering Iron Multi-Purpose Kit | Cordless Self-Igniting Adjustable Flame 7-Tip Set | Pro Grade 125-Watt Equivalent (LX-770) : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools It works very well, is versatile and, of course, cordless. Ideal for soldering, cutting rope and shrinking heat shrink.