PCB holder is one of the most important maker skills and having the right gear helps you produce your best work. Whether you are new to soldering and just starting out or are a seasoned pro tackling complex projects, the right tools can make all the difference.
The star of the show is the soldering iron; you need to pick an iron that gets hot enough to melt the solder wire without burning your hands. The most basic irons have a fixed temperature that doesn’t vary, while more advanced models offer programmable temperatures and specialized tips. Some even have a built-in thermocouple to automatically heat up or cool down to the correct working temperature.
If you’re looking for a more portable solution then consider a smart soldering iron. These irons are usually powered via USB C and can heat up to a preset temperature with just a slight press of the trigger. They also come with a selection of tips (precision and blunt) to match the job at hand. Our favorite is Pinecil v2 but you can also take a look at Miniware’s TS100 and TS80P irons.
If you are a professional or need to do a lot of larger soldering jobs then it may be worth investing in a hot air soldering station. These stations are self-contained and typically have a temperature controlled iron along with a hot air gun for surface mount soldering, reflowing circuits or desoldering components. Weller’s model is a good choice, it’s quick to heat up and can dump 480 degrees Celsius of heat in six seconds.
