Need help choosing soldering iron

[watercooled]

As title really, the one I currently have is a Velleman (Maplin) one which seems to eat through tips and the grip gets very hot after using it for a while. I'd like to buy from Farnell if possible because I need to order other stuff from there too also I'd like it to come with a point tip included.
Thanks

[bandsaw]

It might sound a stupid question but what are you intending to solder with it?

[watercooled]

It's for electronics - soldering components onto PCBs.

[GoNz0]

buy a soldering station, temp control and fume removal. you can also get them with a hot air gun.

i brought one years ago and have been very happy with it.

[Agent]

Budget?
You can go up to insane prices for irons you see

If you're looking for a hobbyist one, Antex are usually pretty highly regarded for their price.

[peterb]

I've used Antex basic irons for years, and built all sorts of stuff with them - an 18 watt for fine work, a 25Watt for heavier duty!

However, as G0nzo says, a temperature controlled semi-professional iron covers all jobs, and with lead free solder with a higher melting point, is more justifiable - but unless you are going to do a LOT of soldering, I'd stick with a basic Antex - which you can get from Maplin. If you haven't done much soldering before, do take some time to practice - it isn't difficult, but as with all things, practice helps.

[watercooled]

Yeah, I've done a fair bit but mainly hobby-related. I've heard Antex are supposed to be good in the past but I wasn't too sure. Also I do use lead-free silver solder so would a standard iron be OK (I've noticed it does take longer to melt with this iron).
Thanks

[idlehanz]

I'd second that on Antex. I've been using the same iron from them for over 14 years.

Mine's a 50W with variable temp control built in handle. TCS. prob TCS230 if they've not changed the model name in 14 years, description has warn off. It comes out every now, as and when needed, and seems to have handled being chucked in the tool box just fine over the years.

[watercooled]

Since they're all a similar price (and most of them look like the exact same model...), which one of these should I go for? http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/bro...03129%2B500006

Edit: Just been looking in Maplin and the prices are very similar! Think I might get this one then: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...6&TabID=1&QV=Y

I forgot to mention I also have a butane soldering iron/torch which I was using fine up until the point it turned into a flamethrower which kind of put me off using it...

[GoNz0]

i have this, its a rather nice bit of kit http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AOYUE-968-Hot-...item29ffa54c8a

[watercooled]

Looks good but it's a bit more than I need though.

[watercooled]

Glad I didn't order one from Farnell - went to Maplin and picked up a 25w one for £1 less than the 18w model! The kit including the stand and some solder was only £21.99 (the 18w one was £22.99)! BTW does anyone know how to replace Antex bits for future reference since there were no instructions in the box - do I just pull it off?
Thanks

[Flibb]

Yep just yank off, but you need the right bit for your iron
http://www.antex.co.uk/prodtype.asp?...cordPosition=1

[watercooled]

Thought so. Thanks

[Agent]

bits are often found for silly prices on Ebay

[watercooled]

Hmm that's good to know too, thanks