Guides

Practical answers to buying and setup questions, with links to the relevant choices.

• T12 or C245 soldering tips: choosing an ecosystemExplains the tip-system decision that locks in which stations and tips you can use.
• Soldering bench add-ons: microscope, fume extractor and tipsShows which add-ons are worth having after the station and what their listings leave unproven.
• Soldering stations for a 120 V home bench: two picksNarrows the choice to two cartridge stations with US voltage options and explains the tip-system trade-off.