Here you go Trevor.

http://www.google.com/#q=soldering+stations&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=OMHhT4-ZHcGR0QG0iIGdAw&sqi=2&ved=0CL0BELMY&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=6d291ee22b7a8f44&biw=1536&bih=770

Many to choose from. I'd go for something in the 60 to 75 watt range. I have several non-adjustable soldering irons that use. The largest being a 33 watt that I've used to solder to PC ties with. Works ok for me.

Bernd

Thanks for the reply Bernd.  When I click on the link it just goes to Google Home Page.  Any suggestions?

Trevor

I like the Weller WLC100 40-Watt station, and use a thin cone tip for soldering N scale track & PC Board ties.

Got it for about $40 at Sears.

Very reliable, and the adjustable heat is nice and allows a lot of control (even very low, to soften styrene for shaping).

...........the Weller WESD 51 which is a digital 50 watt station.  I have found the digital to be much more controllable for temperature. It is a lot more $$ though.  I use the 100 on the layout for track and bus wires and the 51 for all other delicate work.  One advantage of the 51 is there are a ton of different size and shape tips available.  I have found the best prices at All-Spec Industries.  http://www.all-spec.com/search

Peter

Personally I have about 10 different solder Irons and Stations. From 120 Watt trigger Gun to a 25 Watt pen and just lately I bought a a Weller BP645MP Cordless Soldering tool. The cordless uses 3 AA 1.5 volt batteries and I have used it for under the table wiring and also have built a half dozen Fast Track Narrow gauge Turnouts.

My favorite Variable Wattage Solder station is also a Weller The "WESD51 Solder Station" Price about $180.00  but I found a photo & the tech information below and the sale price of $129.78 at the Weller site following:

     http://www.all-spec.com/products/WESD51.html

This is My favorite Unit and I use it for 90% of my PC board Track and turnout assembly. Being Variable Watt Temp controlled I normally run the temp at about 30 watts and even when soldering flex track to flex track I can avoid melting plastic ties by using two 3" X 3" damp yellow sponges one on each side of the solder joint to keep the rails from getting too hot. If you tin the rails first you can even avoid the sponges and run the station at 25 watts. Don't solder tracks at less than 25 watts because you will end up with cold solder joints which will block or interrupt the electrical connection.

Using the same station at High temp 50 Watt setting I can work on building and or repairing Brass engines and cars as well as Brass bridges and other projects that require more heat rather than breaking out the 120 Watt Solder Gun. see specs below/

ESD-Safe Digital Soldering Station, 50 Watts

What about building your own?  I have been thinking about it for some time - it seems to me that it would consist of a dimmer, socket, and a spring to hold the iron.  I've got a block of oak with a pair of springs (actually one which I cut in half) set into holes, and it has worked fairly well for a number of years.  It sure beats having the hot iron rolling around loose.

Over the years I have found a temperature controlled iron or tip to be the best way to go.  700 degrees (F) seems to work best for me.  I've used only Weller over the last 30 years or so from 40W down to the current 25W for everything from wire splices and rail to surface mount work.

Iron plated tips last the longest.  Just remember to never use a file on them.  A wet sponge works quite well for cleaning them.  Some of the stations come with cleaning capability.

Solder type and diameter are important as well--the smaller the components, the smaller the solder diameter.  i use eutectic solder (63-37) as it gives the best joints for me.

The only "don't" is don't get a solder gun.  They do not work well--hard to keep clean and hard to get a good joint and require more tip maintenance.  In a 40 year career in electronics, I have never seen a solder gun in a manufacturing environment.

If you can, try several wattages in different situations to determine what works for you.  Several stations are available with two irons so two different wattages are handy.

Practice soldering, it ain't as easy as most people think.

Terry

Thanks to you all for your prompt and informative replies.  I am in Australia, so I am bound a bit by the difference in voltage:  ours 220-240v, yours 110v.  The Weller WSD51 seems the way to go, so I will have a look around down here.  Terry, you are right about practicing - I need plenty of it.

Regards

Trevor

When I click on the link I get a page that shows many soldering irons. 

Anybody else just get the home page?

Bernd

I do get what you describe, "a page that shows many soldering irons". The results for others may have something to do with browser settings.