Tools for my first saber build

Hi everyone. I've received the first set of MHS parts for my build, with the rest on the way from the shop. I'll be ordering the electronics (sound board, crystal chamber LED's, resistors, main LED and speaker) later this month. I at the point now where I want to order the tools I'll need for the build and I need some opinions/assistance on the soldering iron I'm thinking about. It comes down to one of these 4, listed in order of preference:

1. Aoyue 888A 2 in 1 Digital Hot Air Rework and Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._rd_i=13837391

2. Aoyue 937+ Kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...w_c_x_4_w?th=1

3. Aoyue 936 Soldering Station https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...oop_bw_c_x_3_w

4. Aoyue 469 Variable Power 60 Watt Soldering Station with Removable Tip Design- ESD Safe https://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Variabl...keywords=Ayoue

I'm thinking #1 would be the best all around option, based on the fact that it has the hot air and the additional tips. I'd only need the solder, wick and flux, however, I'd like to hear some honest opinions.

In addition, I need some advice on:

• Which soldering tip size to use
• What diameter/size solder
• Soldering iron temperatures

Thanks in advance.

Darth Maledous

I have the 469 and it's worked fine for me. I'm a beginner and just started soldering a few months ago. For the 469, I turn the dial to 3, I can't remember what the exact temp was but it's listed on the amazon page in the reviews I believe. Temps vary, maybe someone more experienced than me can comment, there's threads for the answer. Around 400C? Whatever will melt the solder.

Solder I've been using: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tip Cleaner: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Helping Hands (put some heatshrink on the ends, credit: MadCow): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you're new to soldering to help learn and not bork your $150 crystal focus: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

While I use a Weller personally, I've heard nothing but good things about the 469. It's got a great reputation around these parts for quality and price.

I'm going to agree with the points Meatsweats made. Get the brass tip cleaner. Get a set of helping hands. His choice of solder is pretty much what I use as well.

If you wanna practice soldering, you can buy a kit like he linked, or just find an old broken electronic doodad and desolder and resolder parts on it.

Thank you both for your replies. How about tip size for the iron? I'm thinking that 0.8mm would work well. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks

That tip size should be fine.