I need to buy a solder Iron, Model Railways.

[Mark 5]

Not for myself but for one of the GDs who is quite heavy in to model railways, making/repairing.

He uses his Dad's electric one which he says is ok but a bit awkward to use and the solder tip is a little thick.

He wants an electric one.

I know nothing about model railways.

Is there a particular type of solder iron I should be buying or just a general all rounder with a selection of tips?

 

[richie00boy]

I don't know much about model railways either, but I'd imagine it's soldering things like thin wires onto tags etc. Should be fine with an Antex XS25 and the tip that comes with it. If he wants a bit of an upgrade and the making/repairing is on thicker wire etc splash out for the TCS50W and add an 1109 tip.

You can buy from many places but Antex own website is actually one of the cheapest.

 

[angellonewolf]

not that i know about model railways

but soldering irons a temp controlled one is a must using it for more than a few mins or the tip over heats damaging the tip/work and making any soldering very hard

i had a pace one that was very good as my 2nd unit

my first unit is a jbc unit its old and the tips are £9 each but heat up and hold temp with in 2 or 3 seconds

there are i think hakio copys are that are quite good ive looked at them myself but never pulled the triger on one

 

[DAPPH]

If he is looking to solder tracks a 30 to 50 watt temp controlled one would be handy , other wise a tiny 15 watt jobby.
Tell him to have a small piece of real sponge damped in water to wipe his hot iron on to remove any dross off the tip & if not using it switch it off , for leaving an iron on unused for long periods causes the tip to pit by ionization unless it is an anti ionization tip.

I have also had a very good pistol style iron some 20 years ago made by Weller or Wella . That instantly heats up when the trigger is pressed & cools rabidly which was good for soldering alarm wire joints It also had several different tips for soldering and cutting & melting plastic

 

[Mark 5]

I don't know much about model railways either, but I'd imagine it's soldering things like thin wires onto tags etc. Should be fine with an Antex XS25 and the tip that comes with it. If he wants a bit of an upgrade and the making/repairing is on thicker wire etc splash out for the TCS50W and add an 1109 tip.

You can buy from many places but Antex own website is actually one of the cheapest.

Thanks, I own a 15 year old 25w Antex myself among 4-5 irons I own and still going strong.

I took a look at the TSC50w, nice kit, a temperature controlled one is the way to go but at around £90 is a tad expensive but I don't want to buy the boy crap either.

 

[Mark 5]

not that i know about model railways

but soldering irons a temp controlled one is a must using it for more than a few mins or the tip over heats damaging the tip/work and making any soldering very hard

i had a pace one that was very good as my 2nd unit

my first unit is a jbc unit its old and the tips are £9 each but heat up and hold temp with in 2 or 3 seconds

there are i think hakio copys are that are quite good ive looked at them myself but never pulled the triger on one

Thanks, haven't heard of Pace, I do know of Hakio but for a few more quid, instead of a copy I think I'd be better off with an Antex.

A temp' controlled one is the way to go and I hadn't thought of that.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I bet you could find a decent Chinese temperature controlled one that takes Hakko type tips for not a lot of money.
I’ve got an Aldi one and it’s ok for how little I use it but if I was using it on a daily basis I’d be looking for something better.

 

[Mark 5]

If he is looking to solder tracks a 30 to 50 watt temp controlled one would be handy , other wise a tiny 15 watt jobby.
Tell him to have a small piece of real sponge damped in water to wipe his hot iron on to remove any dross off the tip & if not using it switch it off , for leaving an iron on unused for long periods causes the tip to pit by ionization unless it is an anti ionization tip.

I have also had a very good pistol style iron some 20 years ago made by Weller or Wella . That instantly heats up when the trigger is pressed & cools rabidly which was good for soldering alarm wire joints It also had several different tips for soldering and cutting & melting plastic

Wella, I have one of them somewhere, I will take a look if they sell a remp, control type.

The boy is coming up to 12, he is very sensible and good at soldering, his dad's solder iron sometimes doesn't always get returned after use so causes a little friction, time to end that and get the kid his own.

He makes things for his train sets as well as repairing so still not sure what tips he may require or he can add to from his allowance and easily available to him.

 

[Mark 5]

I bet you could find a decent Chinese temperature controlled one that takes Hakko type tips for not a lot of money.
I’ve got an Aldi one and it’s ok for how little I use it but if I was using it on a daily basis I’d be looking for something better.

I've noticed, different tips for different irons and getting a little confused by them and their series?

It won't be daily but looking at Amazon reviews the Chinese brands/knockoffs are not that great when it comes to reliability.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I've noticed, different tips for different irons and getting a little confused by them and their series?

It won't be daily but looking at Amazon reviews the Chinese brands/knockoffs are not that great when it comes to reliability.

Being able to source replacement tips is a really important part of the buying process. I did eventually find a source for tips for mine but buying a well known brand clone will guarantee you that availability.

 

[colnerov]

Don't forget to teach him how to hold it.

 

[Mark 5]

Don't forget to teach him how to hold it.

Yes but his dad is good when it comes to things like that and the lad has been soldering since he was 8-9.

 

[Robotstar5]

If he's using it to build kits, 25W for brass and 15W for whitemetal.

 

[Mark 5]

If he's using it to build kits, 25W for brass and 15W for whitemetal.

Thanks, I think a temp' control one will take care of this aspect.

 

[Barking Mat]

My dad's been doing this for donkeys years, he literally uses any locally available soldering iron.

Let it get to temperature, give it a clean with a wire brush, use flux, etc.

My dad produces intricate 3mm hand built brass kits he has bought.

If you want I'll talk to him this evening and pm me and I'll give you his phone number, he loves talking trains and would be more than happy to give advice.

 

[voipio]

Weller WS81 with WSP80 iron plus a few different sized tips, would be a good buy. e.g.:

Weller PU 81 (WS 81) 95W Soldering Station With WSP 80 Iron & Tips **Excellent** | eBay

No holder/cleaning sponge etc. for the Iron is included. 1.6mm, 2.4mm, 3.2mm and 4.5mm.

www.ebay.co.uk

The Antex 660TC also good. The tips have a larger thermal capacity than the Weller, so better for soldering biggish lumps.

 

[DAPPH]

Don't forget to teach him how to hold it.

View attachment 456555

She's doing OK , it's called , "Cold soldering ".

 

[dobbslc]

Don't forget to teach him how to hold it.

View attachment 456555

It's alright she wearing goggles.

 

[Mark 5]

A quick update, trying to get any temp controlled iron, stand alone or station that can be set as low as 50c is not easy and those that can are expensive or at least more then I imagined.

The Antex 690D with extra tips seems to be the best option, I'm wondering if there are any other stations available which can be set as low but more affordable.

 

[Wozzaaah]

50*c??
Are you confusing watts with degrees?