For the last year or two, I've been struggling along with a rather meh soldering iron.
However, the temperature control is useless. Literally useless. Biggest piece of junk since <insert derogatory joke about modern art here>.
You set it to 400°C, and the solder starts to melt a good while after the screen says its reached temperature.
This guy pretty much covers it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRb1_DB234Q
This poor temperature control means that its unusable for all but the smallest of components with the smallest heat capacities.
So that's why I want a new soldering iron.
---
Now why am I asking here?
Well, there are plenty of reviews of soldering stations on t'webs. and a fair number of dedicated E/EE forums.
I can, and do look though them.
However, I'd be interested in personal recommendations from people I vaguely know.
I'm looking for:

- It was really cheap at £25 (Christmas sales)
- It has a well-made, standalone base
- Its more powerful than the one I had before
However, the temperature control is useless. Literally useless. Biggest piece of junk since <insert derogatory joke about modern art here>.
You set it to 400°C, and the solder starts to melt a good while after the screen says its reached temperature.
This guy pretty much covers it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRb1_DB234Q
This poor temperature control means that its unusable for all but the smallest of components with the smallest heat capacities.
So that's why I want a new soldering iron.
---
Now why am I asking here?
Well, there are plenty of reviews of soldering stations on t'webs. and a fair number of dedicated E/EE forums.
I can, and do look though them.
However, I'd be interested in personal recommendations from people I vaguely know.
I'm looking for:
- Powerful enough to handle large/thick circuit board areas and wires
- Separate stand / base
- Adjustable temperature control that &?€%#! works
- A reasonable range of interchangeable tips
- Will last a long time
- Analogue or digital - don't really mind
- Costing between £50 and £100 (maybe up £150, since, as always seems to be the case, products in the price range I'm looking for are rare)
- Online shops, preferably UK-based
- Brands
- Particular models
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