Rrecommended Soldering Iron

[ZeusMC]

Hi Guys

Nauta is correct about the soldering iron inasmuch as the power is the only important aspect: 50-60W is ideal for electronics work regardless of the construction method. Does more power help? Only if you can control the heat.

Conical tips are the best and they or a variant has a small flat area on one side - maybe that is called a "screw driver tip"? In any case, a fine-ish tip and fine solder work best to not overheat components.

Having a variable-output station is also not a requirement. It just happens that what is widely available are stations with variable output. A simple printed dial marking is adequate - no need to spring for a digital display. My soldering station is a Weller WES50. There is an article about soldering PCBs that details universal soldering techniques that will keep you from overheating components.

You can just as easily get fixed-output irons of 50W or 80W and as long as the tip is replaceable and those tips are available, then you are good to go. If you buy something from Aliexpress, say, get a spare and get the tips all at once since their offerings can  change in the time it takes to receive the first order.

Have fun

Spent quite a lot of time today  looking into soldering stations, irons. I was looking at a Weller W61D 60W 230V magnastat temperature controlled iron soldering Iron. Best price  in UK I could find, £93.17 inc delivery. Though tips for different temperatures are around £10 + a pop, might find cheaper if I look.

On Rob Robinettes site. https://robrobinette.com/How_To_Build_a_Tube_Amp.htm

He says, "  I'm a fan of the $99 Hakko FX888D soldering iron."Digital display £150 Amazon UK
I read the Amazon reviews, which sometimes should read with a pinch of salt Also what was on YouTube, seems good kit but I just don't like the design, colour scheme, couldn't live with that. He says,"  I like to use 60/40 .031" solder for most amp soldering. " Should I get .031 and perhaps other diameters ?

The Weller WES50 is no longer in production I could only find a couple of second hand ones on Ebay. The WES50 has been replaced by the  Weller WE 1010 (T0053298399) 70W/230V WE Digital Soldering Station Kit with UK Plug, Temperature Range 100°C – 450°C  for £157.34 and other tips are cheaper. So I'm thinking of buying the Weller WE 1010?   Though I feel I don't really know enough about construction methods to make an informed decision.