The MX-500 is a 50 watt equivalent iron. With the heavy tip, I can solder a stack of 5 pennies to a piece of double-clad. Yet wit the SMT tip, I can do 0402 parts (maybe 0201 if I could see them :) ).

First soldering irons are often of the Radioshack or Maplin firestarter variety. ... having temperature control leads to a more consistently heated tip and much improved soldering experience.

Farnell is expanding its range of soldering products with the GT family of soldering systems from Metcal. The GT90 and GT120 soldering stations claim to offer new levels of functionality and ...