One of the common questions I get after running a workshop where soldering is involved is “I want to do this at home, what gear do you recommend?” This page is here to answer the question.
Please note the suggestions here are targeted at someone who will solder every once in a while, if you do it regularly you may want to grab higher end equipment.
Good value for money soldering iron: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/125778321513
Even better soldering iron (requires external power brick): https://customkbd.com/collections/tools/products/pinecil-soldering-iron
Good solder and flux is expensive but well worth the money.
Solder: https://au.element14.com/multicore-loctite/d622-250g-reel/solder-wire-60-40-0-71mm-250g/dp/419280
Flux: https://au.element14.com/chip-quik/smd291nl/flux-syringe-5cc/dp/185022001?st=smd291
Other tools and consumables don’t have to break the bank.
Tweezers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32871375960.html
Solder wick (2mm): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000261361770.html
Side cutters: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005122604670.html
Solder sucker: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002976983491.html
A hot air station is a must for reworking surface mount components.
Hot air station: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/134378011610
Holding PCBs steady whilst soldering can be a challenge, the below works very well but is quite expensive. The stock jaws can melt, so I’d suggest getting the high temp upgrade.
Vice: https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Adafruit/3197?qs=JnzaLlyswt54yfC%2F88S7fg%3D%3D
High temp jaws: https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Adafruit/3198?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtyU1cDF2RqUImK8UYnVH7l27MZjPptck8%3D