The Atten SA-50 is a temp controlled and adjustable pen-style soldering iron able to do SMT parts, through hole parts and heavier parts. It's tips are compatible with HAKKO tips.
Under $30
Under $30
SaintSkinny:
Hey all,
I'm moving ever forward with my project and one thing I'm going to need is a soldering Iron. I've got a soldering gun, but that's obviously not the best tool for the job.
I am assuming by "gun" you mean a pistol grip automotive 100 watt iron that would destroy anything smaller in diameter than a wire coat hanger.
SaintSkinny:
I'm on a stupid tight budget for the time being, so my options are pretty limited....
What is your budget?
SaintSkinny:
I'm under the impression I'll need something adjustable for working on things like Arduino Boards. Is this correct?
As westfw pointed out, it's more important to get an iron that is temperature controlled than adjustable. An adjustable iron will give you the ability to dial in the right temperature for the work you will be doing. Heavier parts have more thermal mass and are suited to higher tip temperatures than lighter parts. Brands and budget aside, a soldering iron should meet a bare minimum standard. There are three things budget irons commonly get wrong. They frequently lack temperature control, use a set screw to fix the tip to the heating element, and pass voltage to the tip. Above this minimum standard, that the unit be temp controlled, that it use a collar to attach the tip and that it electrically isolate the tip, everything else is as budget allows.