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Recommended Soldering Iron

My son wants to build his first headphone amp (kit). He's asking for a soldering iron for Christmas. Can anyone offer up some information on what I should be looking for? He wants to start off with one of those Altoid can amps and work up to tube. I don't want to go too cheap but rather a decent one he can sell if he loses interest. He's 19 so we don't need the Easy Bake Iron. Any information is greatly appreciated.
donjr
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
This is what we use

Weller Soldering Station

You may need to buy some smaller tips than what its delivered with - we use these

Conical Tip

Best of luck

Peter
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I used that one and I like that a lot!

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=374-100
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,983 posts
 
I use the same one that Peter mentions above.
bdgregory
1,712 posts
 
I use this one: and it works very well, but I am planning to upgrade to the one Peter posted (or the digital version of it) simply because I want auto shut-off (I think this is an essential feature for hobbiest). The temperature control will also e a plus.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Some of us don't always need a professional grade Rigid when a Ryobi at a third the price will last for years of occasional use.

Radio Shack has a nice digital soldering station. Probably a rebranded Chinese clone of something.
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