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Posted by: Neurologi Nov 6 2009, 07:43 AM

Given the amount of maintenance I have been performing on my guitars, amps and various gear, the next logical step is for me to add a soldering iron to the toolbox. There are a bewildering array available on the net or in local hardware stores but I have no idea as to how to differentiate them. What features are useful and what are just excuses to hike up the price to unreasonable levels? A decent one would be nice but really I just want one that gets the job done with minimal fuss and could do without the extra bells and whistles if it saves me a few bob.

Thanks guys.

Posted by: Staffy Nov 6 2009, 08:56 AM

The best one's is actually those with adjustable temperature, but they are quite expensive... I would say that an alternative will be to buy two - one very thin for precision work, and one with high effect to solder pots and things like that. I guess You can find some cheap one's at some outlet that will work excellent, since You're not gonna use them every day.

//Staffay

EDIT: What differs them is really the effect and the quality of the tip's. In order to solder pots and such, you need high effect when soldering on the covers for instance. The tip quality is not of any greater importance here, since it always can be fixed with a file when getting bad. (even that people say that it should'nt be done)

Posted by: Neurologi Nov 6 2009, 09:08 AM

Great! Thanks Staffy. Gives me an idea what to look out for ...

Posted by: Staffy Nov 6 2009, 09:16 AM

No probs!

Posted by: Sensible Jones Nov 6 2009, 11:04 AM

What I use is a 100W one for soldering to the Pot Cases and a small Gas powered on for fine work. (Or a fine tipped adjustable temp one, these are called 'Soldering Stations'.)

Posted by: Staffy Nov 6 2009, 11:06 AM

These were the expensive one's I meant... :-)

Posted by: -Zion- Nov 6 2009, 11:08 AM

I have heard others suggest a maximum of 25-30watts soldering iron when doing guitar work..

This, of course, is to minimize the risk of you burning the components and destroying them..

Posted by: Neurologi Nov 6 2009, 12:03 PM

How about something like this? Neat and tidy. I can get it fairly cheap via mail order.



VELLEMAN VTSS4 Soldering Station

On/Off Switch with LED Light
Soldering Iron Tip: Ø 1.2mm
Power Consumption: 48W
Temperature Control Range: 100 ° C - 450 ° C

------------------------------------------------------------

[EDIT] >> What kind of temp would one need to replace a capacitor or two, for instance, as that would be the first job I would have?

Posted by: enforcer Nov 6 2009, 01:17 PM

if its cheap you get this. But remember, you can't just fit this in your everyday toolbox can you?

I believe 20W range soldiering irons are quite cheap, at least they are cheap here in Turkey(about $6-10 max) so, you may buy this one, and buy a 20W without temp control to carry with you wherever you go.

Hope this helps.

Edit - Reply to your Edit - Generally it depends on your circuitry wattage, but I assume you want to change the capacitor on your guitar I guess, so 20W would be fine... Btw, for those kind of works, just remember to have some Soldiering Paste too, it makes really easy the cable work...

Take care...

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Nov 6 2009, 02:44 PM

This is more than enough to do the job.

Posted by: Neurologi Nov 6 2009, 05:40 PM

Thank you all for your help.

When I said toolbox, I meant the "proverbial" one! It will likely only be used at home, so size is not so much an issue. Having another look, I see my local hardware store has two power ratings available for a simple soldering iron - 15W & 30W. Even these I wouldn't consider cheap. Everything in Finland is overpriced!

Sorry I am a noob. I don't see what difference there is as far as a particular job is concerned? The job I have in mind is replacing a couple of capacitors on the PCB in my G-Major (Yes. It is well out of warranty!) as suggested by some users on the TC Electronic Support Portal Forum in this post http://forum.tcelectronic.com/viewtopic.php?id=4872 as a solution to some of the problems I have been having with this unit as of late.

Posted by: Sensible Jones Nov 6 2009, 07:04 PM

That one will be plenty powerful enough to do PCB work!!!

Posted by: Neurologi Nov 6 2009, 07:15 PM

Awesome. Nice to have a little reassurance I will be buying the right tool for the job. Thanks again to everyone.

Posted by: tonymiro Nov 6 2009, 07:20 PM

As an alternative - maybe just leave the GMajor powered on? A lot of pro gear works well if left on.

Posted by: Neurologi Nov 6 2009, 07:53 PM

That's something I haven't tried. I usually turn on, use, and turn off. Definitely worth a shot! It might even remedy this problem I am having trying to update the firmware via midi. It is likely to be a power supply problem and leaving it on for a day or more prior to the update might be the thing ...

Excellent suggestion, Tony. Many thanks.