My Ebay piece of crap is struggling to melt the solder holding the KB switches I wish to remove. Anyone recommend a half decent one that will not cost an arm or a leg?
I have a very basic iron but it does the trick - it's an Antex 18W CS. You do have to hold it in place for a little while to melt the solder but not too long. You could just get a more powerful one of those if you wanted MOAR POWER Margon will be the best to answer this though (although he may suggest a proper expensive jobby!)
Mine is just is not melting the solder at all. I have tried a pointed tool and one with a flat head to no avail.
I have a Dremel Versatip http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-Hobby-VersaTip-Heat-Tool/dp/B002LARRQW It's not bad, but it's a little on the bulky side. A friend of mine has a Weller WELWP3EU http://www.my-tool-shed.co.uk/p1085...g_Iron_Set_-_Piezo_(no_gas)/product_info.html That's also very good, and smaller than my Dremel. The Dremel only has one soldering tip, the Weller has three. I'd recommend a gas iron in any case though as they're just really convenient, seconds to heat up, cheap to run and no wires to tether you to the wall.
My old soldering iron died so decided to try out a cordless one. Got a Drapex butane powered one from amazon for about £15, does the job really well, and having no wires is a great benefit. Only problem is they advertise that the plastic cap can also be used as a stand which is nuts because... common sense
I don't have a problem with cables Paul. And I am looking for something a little less than you have linked to as once I have removed these switches it will probable not get used again for ages.
