Soldering gun/iron recommendations?

[lionel2986]

I am looking to purchase a soldering iron or gun with temperature control so I can use it to repair my car, and my hobby. Would like something powerful enough to solder track together, but adjustable so I could make it cold to solder small wires inside my engines. Anyone know a good all around iron? I don't know much about them, what to look for, etc. Are tips all the same, or is it important to find one that has a commonly used tip so replacements are easy to find? What are well known/good brands?

[CNJfan]

This is the one I purchased recently.

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/product/1980-0373/

 Works very well so far and the price is right.

Tim C.

[Anonymous]

This is the one I just bought from RadioShack.  It isn't exactly what you are looking for, but it works really well when you are under the layout making a quick repair, and is nice if you need to get to something in the distance.  I also like the fact that it doesn't stay hot.  Just becareful with it.  The tip holder is plastic and if you leave it 'on' too long the plastic will melt!  This happened to me (thankfully I was finished with the soldering), so I just took it back to RadioShack and they gave me a new one!

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062746&cp=&origkw=solder&kw=solder&parentPage=search

[chuck]

You might be better served getting a pair of irons that will cover the range you are talking about.  A 40 watt variable output is good for knock around work on the bench or under the train table.  It's a little high for board level work and way too low for anything heavy duty.  If you pair up the 40-45 watter with an 80-85 watt heavy duty iron you would be better off.  I have a 25 watt small tip (rarely used but it does get used), a 45 watt medium tip and a 100 watt "honker" that gets used for stained glass or anything else that needs serious heat.  The 45 watter can probably do most work but it takes too long for big jobs and the tip size makes delicate work "interesting".

[ChiefEagles]

I have found that soldering projects such as upgraded electronics and etc is well served with Radio Shack's soldering station.  You can change heat ranges to match the soldering needs.  It hold it at those ranges.  Heat range is digitally displayed.