sherrellbc:
Thanks for the link. My application of soldering is typically with very small ICs and discrete components. From what I read a lower power soldering iron is preferable. I was actually suggested a 15W, but I elected instead for the 25W version. It seems to work nicely when I can get it to.
No, low power irons are horrible, they cannot keep a constant temperature under load, so they are either
too hot or too cold - thus they make unreliable joints. 40 to 60W with temperature control is what you need
to get good results everytime. Also the sort with a ceramic shaft are too delicate IMO.
It doesn't matter how small the component, if its soldered to a ground-plane you will need that high-power
iron to bring it up to temperature.