citizen16

Hi
I just purchased a Team Associated RC8Be Factory Team 1:8 scale Buggy kit. It does require some soldering. What is a good soldering iron to get. I'm looking for something that I can continue to use with RC cars. Any suggestions would be welcome.
thanks

proanti1

My Feedback: (2)

Any decent variable heat iron is fine, I got mine at radio shack for $65, works great. You want tons of zip ties (you will need them), I get mine from harbor freight. Shrink tubing, also harbor freight. A nice set of allen drivers, got mine from hobby king. Ass loads of body clips.

Smiff 24

I like a 40w. iron and use 60/40 rosin core solder
I use a flat tip for most soldering and a pointed tip for the small stuff. (Circuit bords)

Shabbernigdo

i prefer a 60w iron my self. Heats up quick and makes quick work of most if not all wire sizes you would normally come accrost with RC applications. as for solder i just use the standard stuff from radio shack.

moe7404

on some things a reg iron might be to hot. fix this by getting a square electric metal that will hold 4 sockets, then get a cover that is made for 2 socket on one side and a switch on the other. then get a light bulb dimmer, and a 2 place socket, and 10 to 15 ft cable to plug into the wall. then mount the dimmer under the slot for switch, mount the 2 socket outlet. wire it so the dimmer runs the out lets. that will let you drop the irons heat.

Link119

My Feedback: (1)

Getting these tips would be good http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPR38&P=ML


And here is the iron http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXPR36&P=ML

rc awesome

LOL. I bought some 15 dollar one runs on batterys, says that it heats up to 900 degrees. I need to solder some 8 gauge wire so i really doubt that i will do it. Its got the litle pointed iron for circut boards too.

OvalRacer99

Whaaa??


I use a 65 watt soldering station for at home and a 100- 120 watt weller soldering gun at the track. When soldering, higher watt irons will heat material faster and make for a better all around solder joint.

cummins driver

My Feedback: (31)

I just have a $10 radio shack 40 watt soldering iron. It actually works really well for everything I have done. I have soldered 10 gauge wire with no problem. It might take a little longer than some iron's, but it works just fine. I use 60/40 rosin core solder.

When it comes to soldering, technique is more important than anything. Make sure your wire is good and hot before you apply solder(it sucks the solder in this way), make sure your soldering iron tip is clean by rubbing it on some sandpaper to get rid of all the old solder on the tip this way it can make a good connection with the wire to better transfer the heat. Always tin both wires with solder and then solder them together.

Im sure there are many more tricks people know, but I have followed those simple guidelines and had good luck soldering, even with my low $$ setup[8D]

Eric

citizen16

Thank You for the advice.  All of it will help.

dustin7837

My Feedback: (1)

If you are just looking to solder battery connections and the like, a simple 30 OR 60 watt iron like the ones you find at hobby stores or hardware stores for $10 will be just fine along with some small gauge solder and some heatshrink.

However, if you are also looking to do some very fine soldering on PCBs etc, then you will want to look for a variable wattage soldering "station" with some clamps, sponge, multiple tips etc. etc.

MCSRacing

My Feedback: (2)

i use one of these, they're great irons and the variable is nice because ya can turn it down and leave it on while ya doing something else and its ready when you are.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...-Green-RC-Skin

moe7404

to: OvalRacer99 sorry i didnt do a good job of explaining. basically you just use a bulb dimmer to drop the current to a iron. it doesnt control the tip temperature like the hi dollar ones, but its easy to make.

Blkft1

,,,,,and Darnit' always where PANTS when your soldering!Those little molten gobs of solder sure do hurt.


P.S. eye protection too.