HAKKO FX-888D soldering station

This soldering station is the workhorse of my bench. I've owned mine for over 5 years and it's fantastic. If you're looking to buy a new rig that's simple, solid, and won't break the bank, this is the one to get!

* NOTE: HAKKO recently updated the design of this iron and base to use a rotary dial for temperature control, so I have changed the product link below to reflect this.

HAKKO FR-301 desoldering gun

When solder suckers and desoldering braid (below) won't do the job, throw this thing at it and you're almost guaranteed to remove a stubborn part from your workpiece. They're pricey, but this tool is worth EVERY penny.

60/40 Rosin core solder (any brand)

Every electronics technician's friend is a spool of some good ol' 60/40 (60% Tin/40% Lead) rosin core solder - I've got a few spools sitting on my bench and in my drawer.

* NOTE: EU residents can only use lead-free solders!

Rosin paste flux - SRA No. 135

Even if your solder already has flux in it, I recommend still using additional flux. Get this paste stuff nice and melty with your iron and then apply it with some cotton swabs. It's not necessarily elegant, but SRA No. 135 rosin flux is cheap and plentiful, and it's great in a pinch for most simple jobs.

Rosin gel flux - Chip Quik NC191

Gel flux with a needle applicator is great for precision application. Chip Quik's NC191 flux is specially formulated for leaded solders. I use this stuff ALL day EVERY day. It costs a bit more than a tub of paste flux, but I promise it's worth it.

Desoldering braid/wick (any brand)

Grab yourself a few spools of this stuff. Use it to wick up excess solder from pads. Add some flux, heat it with your iron, and apply it to your workpiece, and you'll almost completely clean off any solder pad with it. I cannot recommend this stuff enough.

Needle tip squirt bottle

This humble squirt bottle is the unsung hero of my work bench - The needle applicator gives you great precision. I have a 10 ml. bottle filled with 91% isopropyl alcohol sitting on my bench for cleaning circuit boards and other workpieces. We sell a 30 ml. version of this bottle on the High Score! Tech website for a few bucks, so check it out!

Silicone soldering mat

Want a heat-resistant space to solder on? Get yourself one of these silicone/rubber soldering mats. They're pretty cheap and they last for years. Here's a link to one LIKE mine; Tons of options out there!

AmScope SM-3TZ-80S-5M trinocular stereo microscope (90x zoom) + camera

If you've got the money to spend, get a proper trinocular stereo microscope. With all the options, such as a decent camera and a ring light, you could end up paying a pretty penny. AmScope is a fantastic brand though, and having a proper microscope is absolutely worth the money.

Helping hands

Let's face it: You're human (I hope), and you've only got so many hands. So when you need an extra one (or six) to hold something down, this helping hands has your back. This is a great and inexpensive addition to any work bench.

KOTTO fume extractor fan

Soldering produces a lot of fumes and smoke, and the fumes from leaded solder are not very good for you to inhale. This is one of the most inexpensive fume extractors available, and mine works pretty well! It's construction is fully metal and is very strudy, and it even has a carbon filter on the front for catching particulates. Do your lungs a favor and get one.

iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit

I LOVE iFixit's toolkits. My Pro Tech kit was a gift from my brother, and it has been one of the single most useful gifts I've ever been given. If you don't have one of these kits yet, don't just buy yourself a knockoff - Go all the way and get an official iFixit kit. You won't regret it.