The question we get most from people starting out: what do I actually need? Here’s what matters, without naming the “best” brand. Tell us what you use and why in the replies.
Microscope
- Stereo (two eyepieces) or trinocular for soldering. Digital USB microscopes are fine for photos but the screen delay and flat image make soldering hard.
- Working distance matters more than maximum zoom. You need room under the lens for an iron and hot air nozzle. A 0.5x auxiliary lens increases working distance.
- A stable stand. A boom or articulated arm lets you move over a large board. Wobble makes the image shake at high zoom.
- A ring light.
- Trinocular if you want to add a camera to record or ask for help here.
Soldering
- A temperature-controlled station with cartridge tips (the C210/C245-style tips used by many stations heat up fast and hold temperature on small pads).
- Hot air station with a range of nozzles.
- Preheater for larger boards (laptops, consoles).
- Good flux, solder wire in a couple of diameters, solder wick, isopropyl alcohol and brushes.
- Fume extraction. Flux smoke isn’t something to breathe every day.
Measuring
- Multimeter with diode mode and a fast continuity beep.
- DC power supply with a current display, for board diagnosis.
- USB ammeter for quick charge checks.
- A thermal camera, or freeze spray, to find shorts. Very useful once you do board work.
Start small
You don’t need everything on day one. A decent iron, flux, a multimeter and good light will take you a long way with part swaps. Add the microscope and hot air when you start working on boards.
Related
- Questions about a specific tool or machine: Tools & Machines, or REFOX for REFOX machines.
- Ready for board work? Read the measurements we’ll ask for.