Newbie wants to start soldering. Suggestions?

[kragmutt]

Hello fellow BLFers, I want to get started soldering, so I guess I should start with cheaper equipment, right? below is a quote from Oldienea on another thread. Are these good to start with, or are there other suggestions out there? Maybe a vacuum desolderer?

@Oldienea

I give you a list of what I use, but there will be probably other suggestions to come, from our modding professionals.

I use this iron:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/heat-adjustable-60w-electronics-diy-soldering-iron-100-400-c-220-240v-ac-22253

then you need solder, something like this:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/1mm-1-meter-rosin-core-solder-16027

and some flux:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/goot-super-soldering-flux-6502

and maybe something to remove solder, like that:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/goot-wick-soldering-remover-1-5mm-x-1-5m-6252

and this soldering paste is not a must, but I find it useful:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/lodestar-soldering-paste-50g-4711

Thats solder and flux in one. I use it for pre-tinning wires and solder points.

Ah, I forgot to mention I use also this, because I have a bad eyesight:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/led-illuminated-cheaters-magnifier-with-3-magnifier-glasses-1-5x-2-5x-3-5x-11259

[E1320]

That looks like some great advice start on some broken or junk lights so it doesn't hurt so bad if you mess them up. I used a cheaper soldering iron for many years, I just recently upgraded my soldering iron.

I have one of those clamps that Triker posted they are very useful.

[kragmutt]

Good idea. Link? I don't even know what it's called so I don't know what to look for...

[robostud5000]

unless you're doing a lot of big jobs, de-soldering braid should be fine. you don't really need a pump.