solarwind wrote:
> I've found no clear answer to this question, but, what wattage of a
> soldering iron should I get? People recommended to get a temperature
> controlled iron but those tend to be very expensive. 
Before I answer your question...   bookmark this link:   
http://www.circuitspecialists.com  You'll thank me later.  And, no I'm 
not affiliated, just a very happy customer for over 15 years now.

Although I do, on occasion use a "non-controlled" iron, mainly for 
portable work, I will never use one again on a bench.   Everywhere I am 
likely to solder has a temperature controlled iron.

And they aren't that expensive.

The one I use is a SL-10 found at 
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/6389     $59.00 .   
Replacement tips ($2.59) and irons ($10.50) are available.    The tip 
which comes on it is perfect for me ... I bought a whole bunch of 
different types of tips a year or so ago to see what the difference was 
and ended up using the shape which came with it.    I have enough of 
these exact units around that I just stock a half-dozen or so tips and a 
spare iron.    This particular iron has been around for at least 15 
years now (it was one of my first purchases from Circuit Specialists), 
and I don't see any signs of it being discontinued....

They also have one for $29 (SL-5), but I haven't used it...so I can't 
vouch for it.  There are a few others which are similar in cost, such as 
the SR-976 which looks similar to the one I mentioned above, and is 
lower cost, but the consumables (tips, irons, heaters) cost more.   From 
what I can see, if you plan on keeping it a while, the one I mentioned 
is probably going to be most cost effective in the long run.

And the added bonus...  Purchases over $50 from circuit specialists get 
a free gift...  make sure you read the instructions on how to get it. 
Typically a DMM or some other options.  The DMM they're offering right 
now is decent enough that it's tempting me to order $50 of stuff so I 
can get another one... (I have an identical one on my bench beside me as 
we type).  Auto-power-off, K type thermocouple included, etc.   So for 
$56, you get a decent iron, plus the meter.

While we're adding to your list....   The SL-10 has a sponge-type tip 
cleaner which needs to be kept wet.   I seemed to always end up with a 
dry sponge at the wrong time, and add to the fact that I've killed a few 
sponges, so a while back I discovered the "brass" tip cleaners.  For 
someone who really hates to have to run and wet a sponge when they are 
in the middle of working on a project, they are perfect.   Circuit 
Specialists has one they call the "MODEL 460" for $4.95.   Replacement 
inserts are $1.95.   Something to keep in mind. 

You may also want to dig around on the site for whatever else you are 
looking for.    There's lots of neat stuff up there for not a lot of 
money relative to a lot of suppliers.

Two other links you may want:

http://www.allelectronics.com  Great for surplus parts.   Like LCD 
screens and the like.   Or a power supply for the bench.
http://www.mpja.com  - similar to all electronics.   They also seem to 
have a soldering station which looks a lot like the SL-10, for less....

-forrest

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