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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
bdgregory
1,709 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.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I also use the one Peter mentions. It's ver nice.
stuartbmw3
90 posts
 
You might also check out the Hakko

http://www.bdenterprisesinc.com/hakko-fx-888-soldering-station/

I just bought one and am really pleased with it.
leahy's avatar
leahy
80 posts
 
Hakko FX888 Very nice, comes with a great mesh tip cleaner. Wish I had bought one a while ago.
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