DIY Soldering Station

[BrianG]

I recently picked up a Hakko 60W soldering iron, but found it got too hot for anything but doing batteries.

So, I put together a little adjustable setup so I can vary the level so the iron doesn't get the full power. You can probably tell from the pictures, but it is just a RadioShack project enclosure, a regular 120v receptacle, and a dimmer control. I chose a dimmer that can handle inductive loads as well as resistive because it will allow me to test other things, but a typical resistive load dimmer capable of 100w or more is all you need. Wiring is pretty simple:

This isn't terribly accurate, but after a little bit of experience, you get to know where to turn the knob to get the heat you want. If you know you won't be using the iron for around 10 minutes, I usually turn the knob to ~50%. This saves the tip and saves power, but still keeps it somewhat warm so it takes less time to heat it back up for use.

The knob has a built-on power switch, so it's kinda handy to use it to shut it off instead of unplugging it every time.

Obviously, this is not a replacent for a real solder station, but is cheaper and can be used with any 120v iron (as long as the power rating doesn't exceed the dimmer power rating).

Ok, enough talk, here are the pics:

[MetalMan]

Simple, yet extremely effective! Great idea for anyone who is confident enough and needs a decent solder station for little money. Nice job!

[What's_nitro?]

Excellent idea! But where's the big red power LED?

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by What's_nitro?

Excellent idea! But where's the big red power LED?

Never mind that, where is the fan?

[What's_nitro?]

Dang-it! I was going to edit my post!!! You beat me!

[BrianG]

lol, I suppose I could put an LED, but I didn't want to. But definitely no fan!

Besides, a dimmer uses a kind of a PWM scheme, so efficiency is quite high and a fan is not needed.

[Metallover]

You're the best Brian! I got a gift certificate to the hardware store and I bought a 600w dimmer for $5 and a 40w weller soldering iron. I had the junction box, outlet recepticle, and plug off an old soldering iron (ironically; lol it won't meet code). Mine doesn't look nearly as good as yours but it should work.

[BrianG]

lol, good job! I personally would have picked up a double j-box, but that works too. The only reason I chose such a big box for mine was so I could mount the soldering iron holder on top.

Let me know how yours works!

[Rampokker]

Thanks BrianG! I never even thought of trying something like that.

[georgec]

Great idea I going to make one this week for my Antex iron. Great iron but it just gets TDH for any small gauge wire. Thanks!