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Re:How to Get Started in Soldering for Beginners by whstl on Monday April 10, 2023 @10:45AM (#35512951)
I agree.

I don't personally think it's necessary to go up to €150, but a low-quality entry-level soldering iron will cause a lot of problems, and you'll be blaming yourself for the lack of progress. I learned on a crappy one and always thought I sucked. On university I used one that was alright and it was night and day.

It is important that the soldering iron provides the correct amount of heat, and with entry-level irons it's always a gamble, in my experience.

On the other hand, spending the €150 from the start will save you a lot of time testing irons.

Re:How to Get Started in Soldering for Beginners by jjoonathan on Monday April 10, 2023 @12:50PM (#35514347)
Those $130-$150 Aixun branded JBC clones on aliexpress make a compelling argument for the price point IMO.
Re:How to Get Started in Soldering for Beginners by rasz on Monday April 10, 2023 @11:38PM (#35520489)
You can start with a little DIY $40 JBC handle + C245 tip + panel controller, add $20 24V/8AA supply and you are good to go.