Need a good Soldering set

[motherboard1]

So, I'd like to get a soldering set for changing the 3d analog module on my Xboxone controller.

I've gone through 3 different irons, 2 that couldn't do the job once, and one that was a butane powered and could do the job a few times before destroying the controller due to it's inadequacy.

I use LS click to boost on Rocket League and it causes me to burn though modules or controllers with brutal efficiency. I need a good iron that can do the job many times over without cooking my board.

I know this is the place to ask for a recommendation on a good soldering iron for that task.

 

[Jasonaaronfox]

Have you thought about buying an old soldering station? They provide good consistent control and great heat.Weller is a good brand.

 

[trents]

I have not found consumer grade electric soldering irons hot enough to melt the high temp solder on motherboard connectors. Not sure if this would be an issue in your use scenario with the XBox1 controller. I've been contemplating getting a butane iron.

 

[motherboard1]

I have not found consumer grade electric soldering irons hot enough to melt the high temp solder on motherboard connectors. Not sure if this would be an issue in your use scenario with the XBox1 controller. I've been contemplating getting a butane iron.

I've had a battery powered which was utterly useless. I've had a plug in one which did not get hot enough. I've had the butane one which kind of worked for a few rounds, but now it won't get hot enough to melt even one lead, I think not only the tip is screwed, but the part that it screws into looks all oxidized inside the threads and I've no way to fix that. I don't recommend the butane one I had. I was thinking someone on these forums would be able to point me to the surefire solution. I don't mind spending #100, or even a little more. I can't keep buying controllers, it's much cheaper to replace the analog 3D modules.

Have you thought about buying an old soldering station? They provide good consistent control and great heat.Weller is a good brand.

Whatever the solution is, I'm game. I don't know anything about whats out there, I've soldered here and there, stereo system, controllers, high pressure air tubes etc but I'm no expert. I just wanted somebody to point to what I should buy.

 

[Niku-Sama]

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D...eywords=hakko&qid=1549935094&s=gateway&sr=8-4

This should handle ROHS compliant solders (see lead free higher temp)

also a tip, when removing the lead free stuff load the tip of the iron with the regular leaded stuff and it helps to flow the joint and "contaminate" it so it'll be easier to remove.

i personally have one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC10...ay&sprefix=weller+soldering+st,aps,203&sr=8-8

when i bought it i wasnt flush like i am more so now, i really wanted to hakko but for the price this one has been doing the trick.
i'm not usually working with lead free stuff but occasionally i do and its not too bad.

fairly certain the xbone controller uses lead free

i was also looking at some sort of digital controlled jobby that i saw on you tube, i'll see if i can find it again. its ramp up times (cool to operating temp) are nuts and the temp control was really well done

 

[motherboard1]

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D...eywords=hakko&qid=1549935094&s=gateway&sr=8-4

This should handle ROHS compliant solders (see lead free higher temp)

also a tip, when removing the lead free stuff load the tip of the iron with the regular leaded stuff and it helps to flow the joint and "contaminate" it so it'll be easier to remove.

i personally have one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC10...ay&sprefix=weller+soldering+st,aps,203&sr=8-8

when i bought it i wasnt flush like i am more so now, i really wanted to hakko but for the price this one has been doing the trick.
i'm not usually working with lead free stuff but occasionally i do and its not too bad.

fairly certain the xbone controller uses lead free

i was also looking at some sort of digital controlled jobby that i saw on you tube, i'll see if i can find it again. its ramp up times (cool to operating temp) are nuts and the temp control was really well done

Ok I'm going to take your recommendation and get the hakko one. They are showing as roughly the same price as the weller one when I click on your links.

It's strange the way so many on amazon are much cheaper and look much fancier. Probably a mine field of cheap Chinese made products as I suspected.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000I40HFQ...e-2e68-11e9-b213-ed1681209769#customerReviews

https://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Varia...A1N4J5PDM2G&psc=1&refRID=7CJGPDGB0A1N4J5PDM2G

https://www.amazon.ca/WeberDisplays...A1N4J5PDM2G&psc=1&refRID=7CJGPDGB0A1N4J5PDM2G

https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOHOME-Sold...07J6RPCH8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[Jasonaaronfox]

That's a nice station.

 

[Niku-Sama]

Ok I'm going to take your recommendation and get the hakko one. They are showing as roughly the same price as the weller one when I click on your links.

It's strange the way so many on amazon are much cheaper and look much fancier. Probably a mine field of cheap Chinese made products as I suspected.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000I40HFQ...e-2e68-11e9-b213-ed1681209769#customerReviews

https://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Varia...A1N4J5PDM2G&psc=1&refRID=7CJGPDGB0A1N4J5PDM2G

https://www.amazon.ca/WeberDisplays...A1N4J5PDM2G&psc=1&refRID=7CJGPDGB0A1N4J5PDM2G

https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOHOME-Sold...07J6RPCH8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Yea thats exactly it but hey at least with amazon if you arent happy with it its not a big deal to return it, as long as it was shipped and sold by them...

 

[dontstopboy]

I'm with @Niku-Sama here. Amazon has some decent soldering kits. I've used them on some diy projects before. Just make sure you keep a copy of your invoice because if you are in the trades field, it could possibly be a tax exempt.

 

[Alaric]

Stahl has some decent soldering stations. If tips keep failing, it may be the prep work (or lack of) on the tip. Before ever plugging it in clean it with alcohol, then heat it for at least 4-5 minutes. Take a bit of solder and tin the tip (melt the solder on the tip with complete coverage). Then wipe the tip on a wet sponge or rag. Your tip should be a dull silver color at this point. If you just start putting a new tip on old solder you'll ruin it. Tinning the the iron allows it to start melting solder on contact, reapply fresh solder at every use. And solder that has been melted once will have a higher melting point.

 

[NiHaoMike]

How about a TS100?

 

[Voodoo Rufus]

I have a nice analog Hakko (black cased one). Nice units, can't go wrong with them.

 

[Peebles24]

From my days of rc racing (local track closed) i used a trak power soldering station, right about 100 bucks. Temp adjustable up to almost 900 degree. Once lithium batteries and brushless motors took over soldering wasnt near as often. When i started racing we un soldered the motor every race to clean it, and had to solder together every battery pack. Most of us, rather than using the power wasting quick connection would solder our battery connections every race to. My how technology changed that game. Lipo batteries with deans connection and brushless motors made it easier and vehicles twice as fast.

Anyway a good adjustable temp soldering station makes work much easier.

 

[Alaric]

Several good options here: https://www.parts-express.com/cat/soldering-stations/516