I know nothing about soldering or electronics for that matter but when needs must I dived in and got a sh1t one from tool station a couple of years back for about 6 quid.

So far I've fixed the cooker extractor hood, a speaker, a light fitting and numerous kids toys.

I've saved hundreds! One of the most worthwhile purchases I've ever made.

Hot (as you would hope!).

Will never use - Purchased.

Thanks, bought.

Variable temperature control is not the same as thermostatic control - it doesn't take account of the load on the iron, which jumps as soon as you apply it to the work. I agree with your comments about soldering stations vs self-contained irons: horses for courses. An alternative is reviewed in this video. While your comments about direct imports are certainly valid, I am satisfied that the iron I bought is up to scratch. The one in the video I've cited is inherently even safer as it uses a linear transformer.

Ah - mystery solved! :sunglasses:

It has variable temperature control, but analogue rather than digital. I prefer the station style as it has the convenience of a holder and a sponge combined. Also a bit weary of these ebay sellers selling unbranded electrical equipment shipped direct from China. They often don't meet safety standards, bad build quality and usually have false safety(fake) markings, sometimes no fuse at all.

does anyone apart from americans pronounce it sodder? I find it annoying they ignore the "L"

I didn't realise they add the word "delivered" automatically. I'll reword the title next time ok?

These things are £1.99 on eBay, useless for any small electronic components, wick or separate sucker is a much better option. Also these things are hard to clean - you need to wait until they cool down...

True.

I didn't even know these existed. I never had a problem with the non-electric ones. Don't really need two things plugged in.

Yes but you miss the point - this isn't £5.99 delivered; it's £5.99 + P&P or £5.99-delivered-if-you-spend-more-money-buying-other-things-at-the-same-time. :smiley: I'd be interested to know what the cheapest thing from CPC is - they tend to bump up the minimum quantity on tiny items so it's no good doing something like searching for resistors and then sorting by price.

That one I presume is not thermostatically controlled, so the temperature will vary wildly while you use it. If you are going to be soldering more than occasionally I would recommend avoiding the frustration by getting a more sophisticated one. There are plenty of YouTube videos discussing these. I have bought this one which is self-contained (not a separate base unit) and seems to do as claimed, even though I haven't used it much yet due to my old iron refusing to die. Note non-UK plug which you will have to change. I can't find the video discussing it (it was in the second half of a longer video) but there's a mini review here (long page - about half way down - look for the picture from the eBay listing).

Anyone know a good deal on solder/soldering iron holder etc? Bought a soldering iron a year ago but still haven't got around to using it.

great for arduino

Thanks guitarman just ordered with free P&P. heat added, info the tip will not be delivered till 6th?November

Can anyone recommend a good(ish) soldering iron to go with this?

I would've but it's 2 separate items. you don't have to buy a tip, just anything over a penny.

these are cracking bits of kit, I've had one for a good while now. they are a bit slow to warm up but hold a lot of heat. perfect for removing larger components. Well worth adding to your collection, but definitely not a soldering iron replacement.

I think it would be more honest and just as appealing if you advertised the deal as £6.58 including spare tip.

Not really since the bit is hollow and it has a plunger button.

Better off with the larger de-suckers or wick and a normal iron.

Can this be used for soldering?

don't need but the curse of hukdeals I will probably buy it

These are excellent tools. Much, much better than non heated suckers. An essential bit of kit

Decent price, thanks OP!

£8.99 after vat is added and a £2.50 handling charge what ever that's for.