Suggestions for a soldering station

"It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Hobby stuff or work? SMD or big stuff? Inquiring minds want to know…;>).

You can get cheap Chinese stations, some including hot air for under your budget and for hobby purposes, it will suffice. If you plan on doing a lot of work, hobby related or not, then you could take a step up to a Hakko FX-888D which is a nice temperature controlled iron with a wide selection of tips."

"Get a descent Hakko soldering station in the long term. The cheap irons are serviceable but the tips don’t last and tend to total out the iron - they’re serviceable as a learning tools but do not rely on them forever.

That said if you insist on a cheap iron, buy 2 and find one with 2 tips (1 attached/1 extra in box), so you aren’t stuck when the tip burns up within a few uses. After you use the tips up or go through both, the tips can be kept around if you like or discarded. I don't like these irons, but Walmart sells a disposable iron with solder and an extra tip and solder for $10. Don’t do this long term - it will cost you more then a good iron!

As far as buying solder, the Radio Shack solder is excellent if you can buy it, especially 60/40. I have a few rolls I got when the store here closed since I may not be able to find another one easily again. Stick with a few good brands, but keep a good quality backup on your mind just in case."