Electronics Gurus - Soldering Iron

[blazin]

Im looking for a soldering iron to do laptop jack repairs and want something better than the $8 Radio Shack pencil iron Ive been using.

From what I read, I need a soldering 'station' that has a temp dial - but they all seem expensive $100+

Can anyone recommend something a bit cheaper that will be sufficient for small PCB projects?

[Sinn Fein]

how about one of those Coldheat ones. They're like $20. I got one and it works well for stuff like that.

[burky79]

how about one of those Coldheat ones. They're like $20. I got one and it works well for stuff like that.
depends on how small, they do come with a couple a tips, but be careful, the tips break easily, use them very gently, if you get the coldheat. the one they have now is $30 i think, but its a lot better than the original.

it is neat how they work tho, there is a conductor on each sie of the tips they have and when a conductive material is put between it heats fast!, but cools fast too, because of the material the conductors are molded in.

[MetalSign]

I have a Weller WP30 that I ordered from Newark Electronics http://www.newark.com/ .

I think it was about $50 and it's server me well. You can also get a good one for about the same at Home Depot/Lowes.