What drill and soldering iron to get?

[jmsmusic]

Just asking, what drill are you guys using? A drill press would be ideal, but I dont think id have the space nor the funds for it.

ive the right size drill buts, just need to get my own drill. What is a decent model that can be used easily?(I've a drill vice). I need a hand drill style one, and a stand that can hold the hand drill one so i can use it like a drill press?

and what soldering iron should I upgrade to? Im using an el cheapo one thats turned all black on me now. Willing to shell out abit for this.. will be using it for soldering guitars and pedals. I've heard some good things about the hakko ones.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
James

[96ecss]

Hi,

For the soldering iron, I love my Weller WES51. It replaced the 20 yeard old Weller that I used to use.

Dave

[Dragonfly]

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=70472.0


Oh, and a BIG "+1" to the Weller WES51 soldering iron. I love mine. Years of use, never a problem.

[caress]

+1 to the WES51

[jmsmusic]

thanks for the link! anyone with a comparison between the WES51 and a Hakko soldering station? (i think its a 936 station or sth like that)


thanks!

[jacobyjd]

I'm also in a position where a drill press is just out of the question--it'd be nice, but there's no chance of me owning or having access to one anytime soon.

I use a craftsman corded drill. It's a beast--the one with the extra handgrip (looks like an impact drill, but it's not). Got if for Christmas from the parents, and it's lasted two good years so far. Not sure of the model off-hand.

[Dai H.]

there do exist small drill presses("mini"?--much smaller than the big ones that weigh 70 pounds or somewhere in that region) and my recollection is that they were not particularly expensive (maybe 200 bucks). Might make sense if you build a lot or in small production, etc. Simple hand drill works too though.

[Jered]

  I agree with the Weller. For a drill, Makita has a new Ni-Cad 18 volt that only weighs 2.5 pounds and the battery charge last's 4 times longer and only takes 15 minutes to recharge.

[jmsmusic]

Alright, im gonna see if i can find the weller locally then.

I have this black and decker hand drill but it wont work! doesn't spin fast enough, i couldn't even cut through a plastic box. dang, i wish i still had access to my school's workshop (no longer a design and technology student)

Cheers,
James

[96ecss]

WES51 on sale for $98.90 at HMC Electronics. http://hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/query.cgi?query=wes51

Dave

[Bensnap]

I got myself a Hitachi lithium ion 18 volt drill a few months ago. It pretty much rocks my face. The only qualm I have with it is the bit slips every once in a while.