i have always had problems with iron affordability and reliability. I finally settled on some cheap "Chicago Tool" type irons from Big Lots. They don't break off at the handle when I pry part leads 
while heating them. They also have tip openings which can accept 8AWG solid copper wire so I no longer have to worry about not being able to get tips.
When I need more heat I slip an aluminum foil sleeve over the main body to retain heat. It normally runs rather cool for a 30 watt iron anyway because I make the tips extend 3-4 inches to reach into tigtht spaces easier. I also bend the tip for the same reason.
while heating them. They also have tip openings which can accept 8AWG solid copper wire so I no longer have to worry about not being able to get tips.When I need more heat I slip an aluminum foil sleeve over the main body to retain heat. It normally runs rather cool for a 30 watt iron anyway because I make the tips extend 3-4 inches to reach into tigtht spaces easier. I also bend the tip for the same reason.
I'm paying for it? Hakko 936 (what I have on my bench at home). Easy to use, fast heat up with good heat regulation. Tips last a long time, are available in a wide assortment of sizes/types and are reasonably priced. Very high quality parts and construction in general. SMT tweezer handset available for a reasonable cost. Very reliable iron.
Cost is no object? Metcal. I have two of these at work. They have an incredible ability to regulate the tip heat no matter what you put them on. I can unsolder a TO-220 heat sink from a PCB with the small tip on the Metcal. None of the other soldering irons I use (Weller, Hakko, etc) can do that.
Phil
Cost is no object? Metcal. I have two of these at work. They have an incredible ability to regulate the tip heat no matter what you put them on. I can unsolder a TO-220 heat sink from a PCB with the small tip on the Metcal. None of the other soldering irons I use (Weller, Hakko, etc) can do that.
Phil
I vote for Weller here.
I use a very simple and basic WTCP-S station I once got for my birthday. That was over 10 years ago! I have changed the tip once, and it needs a change again soon.
The fact that Weller stations are originally meant for industry purposes makes them very trustworthy. No problem if you leave them on for a night (or two).
Although it features 40 Watts, it has never been too little for the big jobs, and it has never been too much for, like SMD
It's Weller for me now, and it will be for ever!
Bouke
I use a very simple and basic WTCP-S station I once got for my birthday. That was over 10 years ago! I have changed the tip once, and it needs a change again soon.
The fact that Weller stations are originally meant for industry purposes makes them very trustworthy. No problem if you leave them on for a night (or two).
Although it features 40 Watts, it has never been too little for the big jobs, and it has never been too much for, like SMD
It's Weller for me now, and it will be for ever!
Bouke
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