Recommend a soldering kit??

Hi
Can someone recommend a good beginners soldering kit??  Don't want to spend a lot, just something to get started.  Intended uses will be things like fitting news pots, pick-ups and maybe a simple amp kit build.

Have seen a few on places like Amazon, but would be great to get some recommendations.  Ideally up to about £25.

Thanks
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Comments

  • thermionicthermionic Frets: 9499
    For that budget I’d just get a 25W Antex. Some of the Chinese soldering stations are apparently ok, but they’re about twice that.
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  • VinylfanVinylfan Frets: 33
    edited June 2018
    For that budget I’d just get a 25W Antex. Some of the Chinese soldering stations are apparently ok, but they’re about twice that.
    Thanks.  I'll take a look at what they offer.  So 25W will be enough to do pots, switches, pick-ups and try out an Ampmaker kit?

    Anything else I'll need to make sure I have or should look for in a kit? Maybe something like this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magentos-Superb-Quality-Soldering-Iron/dp/B071XJLGK9/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1528566747&sr=1-1&keywords=soldering+kit

    or maybe this -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Antex-XS25-25-Soldering-Iron/dp/B003ITY13W/ref=sr_1_3?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1528566747&sr=1-3&keywords=soldering+kit

    Cheers
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  • thermionicthermionic Frets: 9499
    I have done all that with the exact same Antex 25W iron. I think I might have had an 18W one a few years before which died on me, but 25W is probably the minimum for soldering ground wires to the back of pots. I treated myself to a Hakko station recently but haven't used it for anything yet!

    You'll need to get some kind of stand with a tip cleaner (damp sponge or brass wire type), and a third-hand type tool is also extremely useful.

    https://cdn.aws.toolstation.com/images/141020-UK/800/43162.jpg

    https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/4370d888-f4a3-4c30-bf26-5b990a0918bc/svn/tekton-specialty-hand-tools-7521-64_1000.jpg
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  • SeshSesh Frets: 1839
    There is a katsu kit on Amazon for £20 (312091). You get a 58W iron with temp control station and a helping hand. I bought one about a month ago. Only used it once, but so far to good.
    Can't sing, can't dance, can handle a guitar a little.
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  • Aldi have just had a special offer on an adjustable temp solder station for £20

    https://www.aldi.co.uk/workzone-digital-soldering-station/p/083184201878400

    Useful as the higher temps are good for jack leads, back of pots etc, and lower for pcb. 

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  • @Vinylfan when starting out, I also bought a couple of DIY electronic kits - one was a roulette wheel type thing ( cheap looking PCB with a button, chip and 37 LEDs). After soldering all those LEDs onto the board, I'd got the hang of it and was a better place to practice than the insides of your guitar.
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  • thermionicthermionic Frets: 9499
    That Aldi one looks cheaply-built to me... but if it does the job and you only use it occasionally, well it's just a tool after all. My worry would be the availability of replacement bits.
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  • VinylfanVinylfan Frets: 33
    @Vinylfan when starting out, I also bought a couple of DIY electronic kits - one was a roulette wheel type thing ( cheap looking PCB with a button, chip and 37 LEDs). After soldering all those LEDs onto the board, I'd got the hang of it and was a better place to practice than the insides of your guitar.
    That’s a good call! Will definitely get a few simple things to try out first. 
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  • VinylfanVinylfan Frets: 33
    @ thermionic - looks like the Antex one could be the ticket. Thinking it might be good to get something simple and reliable initially and see how I get on. By the looks of it, the Antex should last a while. 
    Presuming you can get different bits for it easily as well. 
    A stand and a holder or hand will be needed for sure!
    Thanks
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  • mli3mli3 Frets: 206
    Sesh said:
    There is a katsu kit on Amazon for £20 (312091). You get a 58W iron with temp control station and a helping hand. I bought one about a month ago. Only used it once, but so far to good.
    looks perfect !
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  • robwrightrobwright Frets: 736
    Agree about the Katsu!



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  • I bought a Hakko, not cheap but it has a display and a quiet but insistent intermittent buzzing sound that stops me leaving it on and potentially burning the house down … worth the extra £ in my opinion 
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  • IamnobodyIamnobody Frets: 6887
    Does anyone know if the solder included with the Katso £20 kit will suffice for installing pickups?

    Thanks.

    I’ve managed before with the cheapest iron money could buy at the time but recall buying seperate solder from Maplin...

    312091 KATSU 58W Soldering Station Kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B2LZ9NG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gtdyBb3517C94
    Previously known as stevebrum
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  • GagarynGagaryn Frets: 1553
    Iamnobody said:
    Does anyone know if the solder included with the Katso £20 kit will suffice for installing pickups?

    Thanks.

    I’ve managed before with the cheapest iron money could buy at the time but recall buying seperate solder from Maplin...

    312091 KATSU 58W Soldering Station Kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B2LZ9NG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gtdyBb3517C94
    Try it on scrap. Or just buy some, it's cheap! This stuff is pretty good - http://r.ebay.com/Cbliqc

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  • SeshSesh Frets: 1839
    Iamnobody said:
    Does anyone know if the solder included with the Katso £20 kit will suffice for installing pickups?

    Thanks.

    I’ve managed before with the cheapest iron money could buy at the time but recall buying seperate solder from Maplin...

    312091 KATSU 58W Soldering Station Kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B2LZ9NG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gtdyBb3517C94
    It's usable, but not the best. I'm not great at soldering and I struggled with it on the back of the pots, but other joints were ok. Seemed to have a higher melting point than you would expect.
    Can't sing, can't dance, can handle a guitar a little.
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  • IamnobodyIamnobody Frets: 6887
    Thanks folks I’ll probably buy the kit and some separate solder then.
    Previously known as stevebrum
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