Soldering iron advice?

[gabe]

I know, they are a simple implement... But after owning, breaking, and losing several cheap soldering irons, I have finally decided that I am willing to purchase and care for a nice one. Any advice on what I should, or should not look for? Links?

EDIT: 90% of my projects are video game related, arcade controls, etc etc. I don't solder enough to own more than one soldering iron, so "general purpose" suggestions are welcome.

[Never_Scurred]

Lemme know when you get sorted out, I may throw some work ($$$) your way, homie.

[MSW]

I've had my Weller for 10 years now. I got it from a auction when a local electronics factory closed down. It's an industrial model, and I got it complete with extra tips and heating elements all for $5. It's a bit much for my use, but you can't beat the price.

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/weller/index.cfm

[brokenhalo]

i've had one of these for a few years now, mostly for doing padhacks and the odd repair job. i'm happy with it.

[greg]

If I live in the Wild West days, instead of carrying a six-gun in my holster, I'd carry a soldering iron. That was if some smart-aleck cowboy said something like, "Hey look. He's carrying a soldering iron!" and started laughing, and everybody else started laughing, I could just say, "That's right, it's a soldering iron. The soldering iron of justice." Then everyone would get real quiet and ashamed, because they made fun of the soldering iron of justice, and I could probably hit them up for a free drink.

[Daigohji]

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/weller/index.cfm

Bloody hell, is that a soldering iron or Skynet? And WTF does it need a USB port for?

[undamned]

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/weller/index.cfm

Bloody hell, is that a soldering iron or Skynet? And WTF does it need a USB port for?

Serious. Your circuit is not going to suffer because you lacked an LCD screen to tell you that the heat of your iron was 5 degrees off.

I purchased a new soldering iron for home recently and after much research, really all you need is decent wattage and adjustable control. The price brackets were something like this:

<$15 - low quality but may be fine for little stuff here and there. Fixed wattage.

$15-35 - higher quality, replaceable tips. Fixed wattage.

$35-85 - adjustable base module, replaceable tips, etc.

$85-300 - same as previous bracket, but has frivolous features that will not make your soldering any better than a cheaper set produces.

$x00 - the most expensive units are for production lines and ironically have less features than the $35-85 units. They are designed for high accuracy, but little/no adjustability in order to maintain uniform soldering.

Do keep in mind getting something with tips that are readily available.
-ud

[Barrakketh]

i've had one of these for a few years now, mostly for doing padhacks and the odd repair job. i'm happy with it.

This is a nice station, though more expensive than the one you have.

I don't use the sponge, though. I prefer the dry curls that you stab with the tip of your iron.

[Sumez]

What I always hear is just make sure you can adjust temperature and replace the tip and you'll be fine.
I took the chance and bought a "cheap" one instead of going Weller, and so far it works great - as long as you don't get the cheapest of the bunch which are always useless.