Tool Box

The workbench basics: soldering irons from Goot and others, replacement and ceramic tips, solder paste, solder wick and desoldering pumps, tip-cleaning sponges, hot-glue sticks in 7 mm and 11 mm, nylon and Velcro cable ties, plus multimeters and diagnostic testers.

Setting up a bench

For through-hole soldering a 40W to 60W iron with a spare tip, a cleaning sponge, solder and a desoldering pump or wick covers most work. Check that replacement tips match your iron’s series (for example 908 series tips fit 908 irons). A basic digital multimeter for checking voltage, continuity and resistance is the next thing to add.