Best Overall
Weller Digital Soldering Station
Best Bang For The Buck
Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station
Upgrade Pick
Yihua 853D 2A USB SMD Soldering Iron Station
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Soldering stations are essential pecker for plumbers , jeweller , and hobbyists who need to create a substantial , gap - liberal chemical bond between metal surfaces . We researched dozens of soldering Stations of the Cross and test four extremely shop manakin in our own shop . finally , we witness a favorite : theWeller Digital Soldering Station . While no single station can execute all type of soldering , this Weller model heats up tight , offers well-heeled temperature adjustment , and comes with a sturdy soldering iron standstill .
Whether you ’re looking to produce a stained glass masterpiece or you ’re run on your first electronic circuit control panel , generating precise heat is the key to successfully soldering bonds . Below , we tender some shopping steer and explain how the following models bring in a spotlight on our lineup of the best soldering stations for pros and DIYers .
Our Top Picks
After examining a twelve soldering stations from various leading brand and consider several unlike styles , we discover the following models most desirable of consideration . The option below cover a range of family , from the overall best soldering station to the most compact .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Performance4.75/5 ; Value4.75/5
Weller is one of the top brand in bonding irons , and we ’ve owned several of them throughout the years . This digital variant , the Weller WE1010NA , was a pleasure to test . The first matter we noticed was the flexibility of the cord that connects the soldering iron to the ascendence post . It was soft and limber and did n’t produce any resistance while we worked . That ’s a big benefit because older - manner cords are stiffer and more challenging to manoeuvre .
In actual testing , the WE1010NA excelled . We could pick out the exact temperature we wanted just by pushing the up or down buttons . The LED screen clear shows the temperature of the soldering iron , and we saw that it stir up up very quickly — it strain 500 degrees Fahrenheit in about 20 second . We tested it at 600 degrees for leaded solder and 650 grade for lead - free solder . In both case , the solder flow was quick , and it mould a smooth , hearty crinkle .
The pocket-sized soldering atomic number 26 amount with only one tip ( 0.062 mm ) , suitable for detailed workplace on small factor and some racing circuit board connections . crest are similar on this station , and we think it would be worth ordering a couple more sizes to extend its versatility . Overall , this is a peachy little soldering station for a range of DIY and electronic purpose .
Get the Weller digital bonding station atThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : simpleness of Use4.25/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Value4.75/5
If you could manage without a digital read-out , this Weller bonding iron outfit will cover most , if not all , of your soldering needs , and it ’s budget - well-disposed to charge . We ’ve used the Weller WLC100 for about three years , mostly for solder stained glass , and it ’s always performed well .
The WLC100 comes with an ST3 tip , which is great for large soldering undertaking but too bulky for the ok detailed work necessary for print electric circuit board ( PCBs ) . The point is interchangeable , though , so you could purchase a baksheesh with a narrower point for finer employment . The electric cord is n’t quite as flexible as Weller ’s newer models , but it ’s not bad . The stand is sturdy and contain a cleansing sponge .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Without a digital readout , it ’s a bit of a gauge game when determine the temperature of this galvanic bonding iron . In our tests , however , leaded solder flowed on set 2 , so it ’s at least 600 arcdegree Fahrenheit , and lead - free solder flow on Setting 3 , which makes it at least 650 degrees Fahrenheit . setting 4 and 5 could be used for large joint and link that require more heat . They would also be suitable for the case of quick heat transfer of training that ’s necessary for sensible electronic connections . If you select this soldering unit , take your time and familiarise yourself with the different preferences on different metals and joint sizes before embarking on any sensitive projects .
Get the Weller VLC 100 atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Performance4.75/5 ; Value4.75/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Not all soldering projection go as planned , and that ’s where a rework post comes in . The YIHUA soldering post is a complete soldering solution for anyone who has ever made a mistake — or will . It ’s easily suit for ok detail work on PCBs , but could be used for other small - joint projects as well .
Unboxing the YIHUA was fun — it descend with so many extras ! In addition to the soldering iron and 10 interchangeable baksheesh , it include the red-hot - melodic line rework gun , a voltmeter for arrest electrical circuits , and a desoldering pump for removing liquid solder .
We execute several spare tests with this soldering post to see whether all the Alexander Melville Bell and whistles were deserving the investment , and we think they are . This is a comprehensive soldering machine for someone who postulate more than a simple soldering Fe .
Photo: The Home Depot
With the YIHUA , leaded solder flowed at 600 grade Fahrenheit and lead - complimentary at 650 degrees Fahrenheit , so the temperature presentation looks like accurate . We wished the rework gun had a more precise nozzle to prevent inadvertently prejudicial nearby constituent while fixing solder mistakes . Still , it liquefy the solder and we were able to remove most of it with the desoldering pump .
The cord on this bonding post is wonderfully flexible , and the atomic number 26 stall is stalwart . The setup even issue forth with a axial motion of lead - free solder to get you started . For crafter , the YIHUA may be overkill , but for anyone involved in electronics assembly or resort , it ’s an all - in - one solution .
Get the YIHUA bonding station atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best Soldering Torch
Smith Air/Acet Kit
Our rating : Ease of Use4.75/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Crank up the heat ! The Smith Air / Acetylene Silversmith soldering flannel mullein can attain up to 4,770 degrees Fahrenheit , depending on the chosen bonding tip . It issue forth with a # 00 tip , which is very small and suitable for soldering fine point , but the temperature mother by the Smith torch is too hot for PCBs — it ’s designed for soldering copper color , silver , and Au element .
The Smith torch need an alkyne armoured combat vehicle ( not included ) . We buy one from a local welding supplying storage . The system comes with a elastic hose that run from the tank to the soldering tip and gauges for regulating the acetylene ’s rate of flow pressure level . It also come with a manual hitter for ignite the woolly mullein . As the acetylene feed , the Smith flashlight automatically blend in in oxygen at the correct ratio . All we had to do was turn a governing body knob on the standard of measurement to select the acetylene pressure ( Smith recommends 12 - 14 psi ) .
Photo: Amazon
To quiz this station , we used ash grey solder rather than the leaded or lead - free solder we used with other poser . Silver solder commence to flow around 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit . We upgraded to a magnanimous # 03 tip and lit the torch . By turn a knob on the handle , we could line up from a soft , silent flaming to a potent , hearable one . We spray flux on our test pieces , positioned the Ag solder at the seams , and within a few seconds , the solder flowed equally through the seams .
This is a majuscule little common mullein for soldering handcraft jewelry , but aplumbercould apply it with a low-spirited fire to solder copper pipe joints in a shop determine as well . The only thing to remember with the Smith soldering kit is to turn off the throttle to the army tank when you ’re done .
Get the Smith Silversmith bonding station atAmazonorCool Tools .
Photo: Amazon
More Great Options
While we did n’t personally test the following models in our workshops , they made our short listing of the best soldering stations due to customer feedback and our in - profoundness research of the products . If you are still incertain about picking a soldering station , one of these might be what you ’re looking for .
Best Contact
X-Tronic 3060-PRO-ST-ACC – 75W Soldering Iron Station
We think XTronic ’s 3060 - PRO - ST - ACC contact bonding place has plenty of office and convenient features to make soldering projects quick , well-off , and more enjoyable . At 75 Isaac Watts , the soldering iron reaches temperature between 392 and 896 arcdegree Fahrenheit within 30 arcsecond . Its digital video display make temperature easy to read .
Two “ helping - hand ” hold the workpiece in place while the user feed solder and manipulates the branding iron . We ’ve found these aid helping hand to be more than useful in several site , such as when we demand to have both of our helping hand spare for holding the solder and the soldering Fe but when we also need to contain together different metallic element pieces in a specific style for soldering .
The twist include a holder for a top cleaner ( sell one by one ) and a space for a crocked quick study . Be sure to keep the tip fresh , as this kit does n’t come up with extras .
Photo: Amazon
Get the XTronic soldering station atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Lead-Free
Yihua 939D+ Digital Soldering Station
For DIYers who prefer lead - costless solder , we think YIHUA ’s 939D+ bonding post is a solid choice . A digital contact soldering post , its iron reaches temperatures between 392 and 896 degrees Fahrenheit — more than red-hot enough to liquify lead - free solder . YIHUA also includes a roll of lead - detached solder in the kit .
Three included replaceable tips allow users to choose the correct one for the job and supplant the tips after they ’re past their usable state . The post also comes with a soldering peak clean — of import for creating the best possible hint - destitute joints . This is a scale - down version of the YIHUA soldering / rework post we tested above — it appear to have the same heating capabilities but lack the rework hot air gun and voltmeter . If you ’re not heavy involved with electronics production and do n’t need excess equipment , you could save money and still get a top - pass YIHUA soldering station with this model .
Best Hot Air
Txinlei 8586 110V Solder Station
For those young to rework , we think the TXINLEI ’s 8586 Soldering Station is a skillful outfit for learning the ropes . This station includes a hot zephyr hired gun , a soldering iron , swappable tips , tweezers , a desoldering pump , copse , picks , and solder wire . essentially , it has everything you need to get started solder and desoldering .
A digital show allows users to dial in the exact temperature for the type of work . The 60 - W soldering iron provides enough office for most Job , reaching the same temperature as most other kits with a slightly dim recovery sentence . The hot air gun reaches temperature between 392 and 840 degrees Fahrenheit . TXINLEI ’s station also gasconade a built - in tray for pie-eyed sponges , make it easy to pick the iron ’s tip .
Our only care is that the stand for the soldering iron hold plastic ; several users appear to have unknowingly unfreeze it by position the hot iron the wrong way .
Photo: Amazon
Get the TXINLEI Soldering Station atAmazonorNewEgg .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Soldering Stations
We explore more than 25 different bonding stations and bonding kit and then narrowed our lean to the 7 models we felt offered the best stove of features for various user . From those , we choose the top 4 for hands - on testing in our own workshops .
The actual examination physical process was straightforward but wide-ranging slenderly to suit the single soldering post . For instance , if the soldering smoothing iron came with a unmarried tumid chisel tip , we tested it on large seams like those found in varnished glass , but we did n’t attempt to use it for tiny printed circuit board ( PCB ) do work . We pitch our examination to the soldering use of each place .
For contact - type soldering stations , we tested using both leaded and lead - free solder . For the woolly mullein bonding station , we used silver grey solder . All of our examination involved state of flux , a chemic substance used in soldering that removes oxide films from the control surface of metals and allows solder to flow swimmingly . We stress out all the feature a unit had to provide , and we awarded points based on a gloss . The good a soldering station performed on a test or judgment , the high the level .
Photo: Amazon
After examination , we average the points to find our best overall pick and to categorize the other model accord to their ideal consumption .
What to Consider When Choosing a Soldering Station
When stag for a bonding post for their motivation , DIYers , pro , and electronic repair people should think some important factors . These admit the eccentric of soldering station , its wattage rating , and other soldering place equipment .
Types of Soldering Stations
Many soldering station search similar , but they vary slimly in how they work . Some DIYers may like to go introductory with a contact kit . Others may want to take on high - end , pro - level projects with a torch or an infrared station .
tangency bonding stations use one of the most ordinarily recognized forms of soldering : a gun or a pen connect to an electrical source to heat a stick or reel of leaded bonding wire . The solder then runs onto the wires or circuit and cools , making one connexion out of several piece . touch bonding is the groundwork of most tiro soldering kits .
liaison soldering stations have adjustable temperature options , allow users to solder a wider range of electronics and boards without overheat and damaging them . They also come in a kitchen stove of wattage , determining how well the machine can maintain its temperature while in contact with a articulation . expectant joints can draw all the heat out of a lower - wattage motorcar , while higher electric power will remain at optimal temperatures for long .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Lead ’s harmful effects on health , including anemia , failing , and kidney and mastermind wrong , have cue the electronics industry to make leading - free solders . These use a miscellany of conductive alloy — include canister , flatware , and Cu — to melt down onto a joint and make a solid connexion .
Because lead - destitute solder has a high thawing point , lead - free soldering stations are often more knock-down than their received contact counterparts . Standard leaded machine may not progress to a high enough melting temperature for lead-in - free solder or , if they do , the soldering backsheesh will often burn out cursorily .
blistering air soldering stations , also called rework stations , habituate a gun to lave hot air over the electronic components and create a soldered adhesion . After placing soldering spread on the spliff and plug in the two components , the drug user sets the hot air hired gun to the desire temperature and waves it over the components to inflame the paste , which then becomes bright and pulls the parting into topographic point .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
blistering line station set aside DIY electronics technician to rework a board by remove components . The user simply wash over the joint with the gun ( arrange at the proper temperature ) until the solder heats enough to separate the components . This help users save parts and replace components on functional boards .
A live flaming is required for certain types of bonding , such as creating wetting - free seams in pig pipes and crafting silver , copper , or amber jewellery . These torches can reach a higher temperature than contact soldering irons , and they ’re unremarkably too hot to make connections to a PCB or other electronic joints .
Torch soldering uses gasoline , which can be butane , propane , MAPP accelerator pedal , hydrogen , or ethyne . Like other bonding processes , the user must first cover the joint with flux so the solder flows smoothly and uniformly .
Infrared bonding Stations of the Cross turn likewise to red-hot air bonding station in that the user places a soldering concoction in the joint and then heats the joint to create a connexion . Infrared stations , however , use a laser to fire up the joint — a faster method acting both in setup and in heating . This method also allows for more accurate bonding since the laser does n’t mess up part around as a raging air soldering post might . The user can also heat the component instead of the joint by pointing the laser directly onto the component part .
In term of price , infrared stations run a little higher than hot breeze stations , which may make them less accessible to DIYers . They work well in professional shops that require speed and efficiency .
Digital vs. Analog
Some circuit boards require lower temperature than others for soldering . If an unwitting DIYer has a go at one with a received do - all soldering Fe , they stand a good hazard of destroying the display panel . parallel models require users to manually turn a dial to place the desired temperature — and they sometimes miss the mark . To guess accuracy , one must measure the temperature with a temperature gun at the tip and set accordingly .
Digital temperature configurations , broadly speaking pricier than parallel , offer light and more accurate calibration . just adjust the temperature with the machine and tick off the temperature at the tip . If the numbers do n’t tally , exploiter can graduate the machine to take correctly . This is a far more convenient agency to control the correct temperature .
Wattage Rating
Most hand-held soldering irons ( non - station ) have wattage ratings between 15 and 25 watts , while some stations can go to 75 watts or high . This rating determines how long a soldering iron will take to heat up and how well it maintains its heating system in a given situation . If soldering a heavy joint with a 15 - watt bonding iron , the tip may cool too much to move onto another joint right away . With a 75 - W mannikin , on the other hand , DIYers may solder and move quickly from joint to joint .
This recovery rate correlates directly with the electrical power . DIYers looking to solder an integral circuit board will witness in high spirits wattage most utile . For those creatingwiringlooms for vehicles or trailer , a lower wattage or standard iron would put to work . In general , create the kind of heat need for soldering requires a square amount of energy , so there are very few battery soldering stations .
Variable Temperature
DIY electronics technicians will benefit from a soldering place ’s adjustable temperature preferences . Users should set the point temperature to the lowest possible effective temperature . In a pinch , soldering irons have even been used aswood - burning dick , but they ’re not idealistic .
Cranking up a portable soldering iron as hot as it can go will sure enough burn out the bakshish , creating an oxidized and misshapen stage that will lose its effectiveness . Some components also handle heat considerably than others . If the solderer surpass a component ’s temperature tolerance , they could damage it and only realize it after they have put the twist back together .
Replaceable Tip
Contact - style soldering stations must have replaceable tips . Some tips make for considerably in sure scenarios . For example , a chisel tip act well for heating large joints and removing parts . A fine point , on the other hand , can heat tiny joints without feign the other joints around it .
Many soldering station add up in kit that include a variety of tips . Users can also buy replacements , so they do n’t ask to go to the manufacturer to replace a steer that ’s no longer usable . Tips do burn up after a while , so purchase a lineament post that allows for swapping them out .
Accessories
Electronics work can make for an exciting hobby . As with most hobbies , soldering and electronics repair involves a wide range of gear to make the task more pleasurable and efficient .
Hands - devoid holders secure a workpiece in place while warming or disappear the solder . Tip cleaners take away magnetic field from the end of the soldering iron and assure minimal resistance between joints . If a soldering kit does n’t come with additional tools for function with wire and electronics , such as acrimping prick , user can always buy them individually .
Tips for Using a Soldering Station
When it comes to soldered joints , oxidation — a form of corrosion between the soldering smoothing iron ’s tip and atomic number 8 , accelerate by hotness — flummox the main takings . To help combat oxidation , soldering pro use magnetic field : a chemical cleansing federal agent that help oneself prevent oxidation and elevate the stream of solder , allowing the solder to bond itself more well to the joint . Soldering conducting wire with a rosin core is also helpful ; resin help the solder menstruate and reduces the effects of oxidisation .
Soldering creates fumes andsmoke . While most smaller jobs wo n’t create serious health hazards , the fumes can give drug user a painful throat and possibly a headache , so it ’s important to always keep the soldering country ventilated . spread out a window and employ a buff to remove irritants from the room , and regard wearing an N95 mask and other protective geartrain .
When soldering a wire onto a ascendence table , one pro move is to pre - tin the tip of the conducting wire . just melt a morsel of solder onto the conducting wire end before soldering it to the board . This ensures an oxidation - barren wire crest , and it allow the solder to attach quicker and finish with a far more reliable consequence . The top soldering place peak let in :
FAQs
You ’ve just received a clangoring course in the best soldering stations , but you might still have a few outstanding questions . Below , we provide some reply to the most oft take head about soldering stations and soldering in general .
Soldering smoothing iron typically connect to a station that provides unvarying power to the iron to keep it red-hot . Soldering guns have switches that heat the tip when depressed and cool upon release .
A good bonding place is essential for prepare electronics such as video game controllers , reckoner boards , remote controls , drones , and other small particular , and potentially crafting with metals .
For soldering electronics , it ’s helpful to have an electric bonding Fe , solder , a couple of electronics tweezers , plain solder steer , and a poriferan for clean the tip of the soldering branding iron .
If you be after on doing regular bonding labor , a bonding post may be a worthwhile investment . They come in a range of toll , so you do n’t have to drop a fortune to get a good one . If you do n’t need that much warmth , you might consider choose aplastic welderinstead .
A bonding post contains a soldering smoothing iron , but it also includes a stand and ( sometimes ) a blistering air rework throttle , digital controls , and other features that can make bonding easier .
Some do , but most do n’t . While soldering station come pre - calibrated , over prison term their temperature configurations may lose their truth . DIY soldering station are relatively inexpensive and most users will choose to replace one rather than spend the money to have it professionally recalibrated .
On average , set the temperature around 600 to 650 degree Fahrenheit if you ’re using leaded solder , and 650 to 700 degrees for lede - free solder . great mullein units do n’t fare with temperature control but you could adjust the fire higher or lower depending on what you ’re solder .
In oecumenical , any solid Earth’s surface will exploit for bonding because the post typically has a stand that keeps the hot branding iron from touch anything else .
Unless you have special fluxes , it can be unmanageable to solder onto atomic number 13 and stainless steel . Cast branding iron and Ti are also among the more challenging to work with .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a contractor , intersection tester , and writer concenter primarily on grammatical construction , DIY tools , and plate appliances .
extra inquiry provide by Tom Scalisi .
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