06-03-2014, 03:04 PM
If not dealing with small electronic components, especially SMCs, I'd get a soldering gun, rather than a pencil, and definitely not an iron.
A gun heats much quicker and cools much quicker. Care is needed in use, but you don't have to worry about carefully replacing a constantly hot pencil.
I've used one of these for years, even building a few Heathkits.
For SMCs or delicate components, a grounded-pencil is probably a good idea. I've been looking at this for no particular reason, but I can't really justify it based on the infrequent use it would see.
Not that it's never stopped me before.
A gun heats much quicker and cools much quicker. Care is needed in use, but you don't have to worry about carefully replacing a constantly hot pencil.
I've used one of these for years, even building a few Heathkits.
For SMCs or delicate components, a grounded-pencil is probably a good idea. I've been looking at this for no particular reason, but I can't really justify it based on the infrequent use it would see.
Not that it's never stopped me before.