Figured I would pick up soldiering electronics as a new skill. This is the first thing I created, it works. Any tips or ideas are appreciated!
this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2026
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Temp controlled irons make it a breeze if you can afford it (they can be a bit pricey). Check locally on fb marketplace, craigslist or secondhand electronic component stores if theres one near you for an older model as they'll last you for life. I personally picked up a Hakko FX-888D years ago and the quality is great (Japanese).
Even pretty cheap chinese temp controlled irons where the control is on the iron itself (with a screen and button) work very well.
I bought one like that for 20€ some years ago and the difference to an expensive iron is lower than one would expect.
There are also some irons that have a USB C Plug and open source firmware, there was some hype on them a few years ago, but I haven't tried it.
Yup, got a Pinecil and compared to the not so much cheaper Parkside iron I had before, there are worlds inbetween. Plus USB C PD3.0 and you can even use drone batteries for on the go repairs.
Bought a cheap ass 14€ parkside solder station (lidl) and it really does the job for occasional use
If looking to upgrade without breaking a bank for a JCB/Weller, look into FNIRSI. These chinese soldering irons work on USB-C PD 100W and utilize JBC tips. I have one and use with 65W charger and it is as good as 100W Weller at my work. Probably not a great tool to work 8 hours a day, but for occasional home project it is perfect!
Also flux and the appropriate solder make a huge difference.