good soldering iron ?

[jimmy]

I've always had cheapy soldering irons, cant think what I want for Xmas - but an iron would be good!
anyway, whats a GOOD 240v soldering iron with a good tip, for doing the usual motors, cells, everything. ?
and any links ?

[Southwell]

I found some really cheap ones a while ago, ill dig out the link again.
Im sure they did up to 150watt ones lol.
If not, weller are the best that ive used before, a 75watt one should be plenty for you.

[barnyard]

i have the weller 100W it'll do everything (cells or V2 motors) providing you fit the correct sized tip. i'm still on my first cell tip but 2nd motor not bad for nearly 10 yr old.

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=415820

the 60W is a bit weedy for continous cell usage nad the 120W is overkill unless you build cells all day.

[sim]

I use a Hakko 456 with an optional tip (you have to buy it) that's got a small flat end. It is only 60W but it works great.

http://www.hakko.com.sg/455.html

[MiCk B.]

This is what I use:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Soldering-Iron-Antex-660TC_W0QQitemZ330027610777QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1107 2QQcmdZViewItem

Or

http://www.thinkology.co.uk/antex/index.html

It's a 660tc with the 50W iron and a 6mm tip. Haven't found anything yet that it won't do.

There is a good range of tips available for it at very reasonable prices, £3 ea or so.

Temp controlled so can leave it on all day. Brought it to many euros and hasn't missed a beat.

MiCk B. :-)

[Oscar]

Antex are seriously good quality, I still have the same iron from almost 20 yrs ago and have only replaced the element once. They do a budget range of 80w or 100w irons for just over a tenner which may be worth a shot. The mail order service is quite efficient, I've used it a few times.
Adcola are also V good, but not sure who sells them (I got mine from peter at Castle)

[XXXCRRacer]

I use the Hakko 936 with adjustable temps on it. I paid around $80. $$$ well spent.