I’ve been slowly getting more and more into lights and I think I have reached the point where it is time to start modding lights. I used to do a lot of soldering and electronics fiddling when I was in high school, so I am fairly comfortable with soldering. I am looking for some advice on a good starter setup for modding lights.
I am assuming I am going to need to buy the following:
An adjustable heat soldering iron with multiple tips
A stand for the soldering iron
Solder wire
Solder flux
Solder braid (copper braid for springs and removing solder)
A “helping hand” with clamps and a magnifying glass
I already have a DMM, needle nose pliers, and dikes.
My main consideration is that this setup has to be as portable as possible as I currently do not have a place to do this kind of work so it will have to be done at the kitchen table. Due to this, portability of the setup is essential. I can buy a toolbox or something at Walmart to put everything in, but I would like something that is easy to set up and also put away as quickly as possible.
I’m not adverse to dropping a decent amount on a good setup, but I would like to keep the costs down as much as I can, or at least get the best price to performance ratio as possible. I’m hoping to keep this whole endeavor under $150, but I can go over that if it is justifiable.
Would you guys please be so kind as to recommend me some good, proven items for a first time modder? Please feel free to include anything not on this list that you think is essential to a beginner. Links would be appreciated, but my Google-Fu is quite strong, so it’s not totally necessary.
If you want a really good one that will last you a lifetime, get a Metcal MX-500 new or a good used MX Series Metcal. If you want a decent budget station, get this one: Hobby King Station
Both that I suggested Come with one.
63/37 Tin Lead No-Clean or RMA in 0.020” diameter. Other diameters are nice to have, but 0.020 is a good staring point.
Do you have room for a “soldering tray”? Something you can put on the table without having to pack away everything neatly (only the small items like solder etc).
Honestly, no. I pretty much would have to keep everything in a tool box. I’m still waiting on replies, but Pilot’s suggestion seems really good. Apparently its compatible with Hakko tips which apparently are held in high regard.
I have a Hakko clone like the one PilotPTK posted from Hobby King. I’ve had it for six years now, it’s a great iron.
I don’t have much room either, so I have mine stored in the corner of the kitchen. The iron “pen” can disconnect from the “station” or you can store it in the stand, which is made of metal so quite robust.
If you plan to do a lot of desoldering you could invest in a desolder pump or “sucker” but in my experience the cheaper ones are not as good and you might be better off using braid.
Consider that an actual real genuine brand-new Hakko FX-888/888D can be had from ebay for around $100-$115 delivered, and a real but used 936 for about half that...
You get what you pay for. I have used that station for one year. It has worked fine. It's cheap. I use Radio Shack solder and flux. It works fine. I think soldering is more about the person, than the gun or solder. I was terrible at first. I have gotten better and hopefully I will get better yet. It takes practice to be good at it, no matter what the tools are.
Hobbyking shipping seems expensive when you see it broken out like that. That's good to know they offer a pickup option in Lakewood, WA because I'll be there next month. I might pick some stuff up in person and save a boat load of shipping fees.
With shipping, the Hobby King Charger will be $27.44 to my doorstep.
I’m also looking at the Aoyue 937+ Digital Soldering Station for $59.99 with Amazon Prime. Anybody have any thoughts on this one? It has a ceramic heating element, accepts Hakko tips, the temp readout is only in Celsius , but it shows actual temp rather than target temp. It seems well reviewed and feature rich.
If you're looking to stay in the under 100 bucks segment, you're not buying yourself much with the 937 or the FX888D. May as well spend $27 bucks on the Hobby King clone. Honestly, the only way I would spend more than the $27 was if I was going to spend a lot more and get a Metcal or an Ersa.
I ordered the desoldering braid and rosin you suggested but I am having some trouble finding the exact solder wire you have recommended. Should I just pick it up at Radio Shack?
