I'm currently on the market for my first soldering gun. I have no idea of what to look for in one, or what would be make a good one. All that I know for sure is that I want one with a fine point, anything else, and I'm clueless. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, but I'd like a nice gun. Thanks ahead of time for any input.

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'94 Single Cab 4cyl 5spd
Still in the parts collecting stage for a 2.3t swap
Old:
1999 F150 ext cab 4.6 4x4--Totalled
1995 F250 ext cab long bed 7.3 4x4--Sold
1999 Ranger ext cab 3.0 2wd--Sold

tips are replacable, different sizes, get one with a riastat for heat adjustment

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MY BUILD THREAD
1999 MAZDA 2500SE, 2.5L 4-clanger, 5 speed, Green n slow. Rangers as daily drivers since 1988.
ASE Certified Mechanic, Builder of Show Destroying Protouring and Classic cars..

do you want a gun or an iron? both are usefull for diffrent things

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1990 Ranger Extended Cab
2.9L V6 5 Speed Transmission
Planning to put a 347 and a T-5 in it eventually

these are what our electricians use at work, made by Weller. they have replacement tips and adjustable heat with a built in sponge and holder.

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what I have, nice unit

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MY BUILD THREAD
1999 MAZDA 2500SE, 2.5L 4-clanger, 5 speed, Green n slow. Rangers as daily drivers since 1988.
ASE Certified Mechanic, Builder of Show Destroying Protouring and Classic cars..

i used a weller in my high school electronics class so i know they are able to go through hell in back if they can survive a highschool haha and it still did an awesome job it got up to temp fast and everything

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1990 Ranger Extended Cab
2.9L V6 5 Speed Transmission
Planning to put a 347 and a T-5 in it eventually

Ive got a gun with an LED light and a trigger. I love it.

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Thanks guys. I was actually looking at that exact one on amazon. I'm guessing an iron would be better suited for me but I honestly don't even know the difference.. I know I have a lot of research to do, but I'm just wanting to do stuff like small home electronics, and/or eventually some work with leds. I'm assuming the above posted unit would work fine for me.

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'94 Single Cab 4cyl 5spd
Still in the parts collecting stage for a 2.3t swap
Old:
1999 F150 ext cab 4.6 4x4--Totalled
1995 F250 ext cab long bed 7.3 4x4--Sold
1999 Ranger ext cab 3.0 2wd--Sold

if your doing anything involving circuits get an iron a gun is more for wiring

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1990 Ranger Extended Cab
2.9L V6 5 Speed Transmission
Planning to put a 347 and a T-5 in it eventually

X2, irons are a bit more precise.

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Ok, I'll probably pick up the one as shown above in a few weeks, as that's the one I was looking at earlier, and it had mostly good reviews.

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'94 Single Cab 4cyl 5spd
Still in the parts collecting stage for a 2.3t swap
Old:
1999 F150 ext cab 4.6 4x4--Totalled
1995 F250 ext cab long bed 7.3 4x4--Sold
1999 Ranger ext cab 3.0 2wd--Sold

There's a big difference in a gun & iron...

Most guns will be about 80-100watts & create a lot of heat quickly, but will generally have a large surface.

Most irons (pencil type) will be in the 20- 40w range. They usually take longer to heat up, but offer much more precision. You'll get a little less heat, but it will be concentrated to a smaller area, great for small projects.

If you're doing PCB's & small detailed solder joints, go with an iron & get a bunch of extra tips.
Weller is a good brand, but they're a little pricey.

I've got dozen no-name irons & the tips don't last me very long, but I do a TON of soldering. I always keep a few on ready to go, when one tip wears out I just switch irons & re-grind or replace the tips later.

Whichever brand you get, make or buy a good stand. I've made a bunch over the years as my needs change, I make a new stand. My next one will have a couple posts to hold solder spools for easy access.

If you're going to solder terminals on a 4ga cable, you NEED a gun (or a blowtorch). A little iron will take forever to heat up that much mass.

I've got half a dozen solder guns & like my irons, all are no-name except for 1 small Weller 80w. I burn through a lot of tips, but again I do a LOT of soldering, so it comes with the territory.

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