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G8UWM-MildMartin · 9th Nov 2019, 3:40 am

A Chinese "936" temperature-controlled soldering station for £15-£20 is better than an ordinary (uncontrolled) iron at any price, though you may well have to replace the original mains lead if they are still as bad as a couple of years ago. The bits are very cheap, but OK.
The other part is desoldering.
I like these: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/desol...pumps/4794197/ (£22)

I prefer the CPC stations https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d00...lug/dp/SD01384, but they are now £87.

I caused more damage to PCBs with poor desoldering tools and technique than with poor irons, but not for the last 30 years.

Whatever you get, I suggest practice on some scrap boards.
Martin.

9th Nov 2019, 3:40 am	#25
G8UWM-MildMartin Heptode Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 827	Re: Soldering Iron For PCB's A Chinese "936" temperature-controlled soldering station for £15-£20 is better than an ordinary (uncontrolled) iron at any price, though you may well have to replace the original mains lead if they are still as bad as a couple of years ago. The bits are very cheap, but OK. The other part is desoldering. I like these: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/desol...pumps/4794197/ (£22) I prefer the CPC stations https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d00...lug/dp/SD01384, but they are now £87. I caused more damage to PCBs with poor desoldering tools and technique than with poor irons, but not for the last 30 years. Whatever you get, I suggest practice on some scrap boards. Martin.