Soldering estimated budget for beginners (2023)

If you want to learn soldering, build interesting projects, and repair devices as a beginner, you may wonder about the costs involved in getting started with soldering.

The through-hole soldering and surface mount devices are two methods used for soldering components. Several tools will be needed to start soldering. In terms of tools both techniques have some dissimilarity. The estimated budget will be different.

Fear not – learning soldering doesn’t have to break the bank.

In this blog, we will provide you with a list of necessary tools and materials, as well as an estimated budget to get you started on your soldering journey.

Let’s get started.

Estimated budget for soldering

The budget may vary according to the application and complexity of the soldering work. But for a beginner, we don’t need those levels of professional tools.

Soldering can be divided into two main groups:

Through-hole soldering
SMD soldering

For both, we require different types of soldering tools.

Following are the tools that I believe you must have for soldering through-hole circuit components.

Through-hole tools and estimated budget

Before starting soldering you require essential tools for through-hole soldering so let’s discuss these tools and their budget.

1. Soldering Station

A soldering station is an essential tool used for soldering electronics and wire. It has a soldering iron with a temperature-controlled heating element and a separate base unit.

The base unit allows you to set the specific temperature for soldering different components.

Due to its precision and safety features, soldering stations are frequently employed in the assembly and repair of electronic devices.

Cost of a beginner level soldering station

A beginner level soldering station (Amazon link) can cost you between $25 to $150. These will consist of a stand, a soldering iron, and a temperature control function. Models with more high-tech features can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 or even more.

2. Helping Hands

A third hand or soldering helping hand is another name for a helping hand. It is commonly used in electronics and soldering work.

It has movable arms with alligator clips or other clamping devices at the ends, which enable it to tightly grab and position tiny parts, wires, or objects while performing complex soldering tasks.

Cost of helping hands

Basic helping hands with two or four adjustable arms (Amazon link) and alligator clips are often relatively affordable and can cost anywhere between $8 and $30. However, helping hands with additional features like LED lights can be expansive.

3. Soldering Mat

For soldering, you will need an insulated place or mat so that you can be safe from any burn and accident. Keep in mind that the soldering mat should be heat-resistant to protect your workplace.

Cost of the soldering mat

The cost of the soldering mat (Amazon link) varies from brand to brand. You will get a high-quality soldering mat between $10 to $30. Some mats have additional equipment but they are expensive.

4. Solder wire

Solder wire is the filler material that makes the joining of two metals possible. Several types of solder wire are available such as leaded solder, lead-free solder and rosin-core solder.

Leaded solder is easy to use because of its low melting point. But the lead-free solder has a good impact on the environment.

Cost of solder wire

Lead-free solders range in price from $7 to $18 whereas solders with lead range from $8 to $15. It depends on your preference for which solder wire you want to buy.

For a beginner, a lead-based solder with a diameter of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm is recommended.

5. Cleaning tool

When you are working on your project, the excess solder and residue stick to the soldering iron’s tip. This affects the heat transfer quality of iron and creates weak soldering joints. Soldering iron tip cleaner is a must-needed tool.

Instead of a wet sponge a brass sponge can also be used to clean the tip of a soldering iron.

Cost of cleaning tool

You will get a wet sponge within the range of $5 to $16 but it depends upon how many pieces you want. If the package has more pieces it will be expensive. A brass sponge will cost the same as a wet sponge, and its price will depend on how many pieces are in a box.

6. Flux

Flux is a chemical compound that helps to enhance the flow of molten solder and remove oxidation from the tip of iron during soldering. For strong and reliable soldering connections flux should be used.

To increase solder flow and remove dirt from the soldering iron tip flux is used during the soldering process. It makes the process smooth and creates reliable soldering joints.

Cost of flux

Flux is available in different forms such as in paste or gel form. An effective and dependable flux can cost you from $6 to $15.

7. Desoldering pump

As a beginner, you might make mistakes, and a desoldering pump (also known as a solder sucker) will be your best friend in such situations.

This allows you to desolder the component and correct the mistake you have made.

Cost of desoldering pump

A good solder sucker may cost you $4 to $20. There are also some desoldering pumps which are electrical and will cost you more, so select the one with which you can work easily.

8. Smoke extractor

A soldering smoke is produced during the soldering process due to the usage of flux and solder material. This smoke is unhealthy and when inhaled it can cause serious health issues. Eyes itching can also be caused due to smoke.

To remove the harmful smoke produced during the soldering process a smoke extractor is used at the workplace.

It extracts all the smoke that may affect your health from a room and will make the air clean. A smoke extractor is a tool used to remove all the harmful smoke and make your workplace safe.

Cost of smoke extractor

The price range for an excellent, high-quality smoke extractor (Amazon link) is $24 to $60. There are a few additional highly developed smoke extractors, but they are pricey.

SMDs Soldering estimated budget

Surface mount devices or SMD is also one of the techniques of soldering. Let’s talk about the various tools that are utilized for SMDs and their anticipated costs.

We use this type of soldering for SMD components i.e, they don’t leg that go through the PCB holes.

Following are the common tools for both through hole and SMDs. As I discussed them above, there is no need to explain it again.

Soldering mat
Soldering helping hands
Flux
Smoke extractor
Soldering wire

Apart from the above, we need a special soldering station for SMDs called the hot air rework.

1. Hot air rework station

Hot air rework station is also known as hot air soldering. Similar to a soldering station, a hot air rework station uses hot air to melt soldering wire to form connections.

It is a very handy tool that requires proper handling while working with it.

Cost of hot air rework station

You can find a hot air rework station (Amazon link) suitable for your project in the range of $35 to $100. These versions are useful for a variety of soldering and desoldering jobs on electronic components since they often come with adjustable temperature and airflow controls.

2. Tweezer

A Tweezer is a small and handheld tool with a pointed tip. It is used to set the small components in electronics and jewelry making.

This will help you to hold tiny components such as resistors and capacitors.

Cost of tweezer

Soldering tweezers are normally available for $5 to $20 or more, with some high-end or specialty models going for much more. Basic tweezers are available at low prices, while tweezers with advanced features can cost more.

Conclusion

Soldering is a skill that opens numerous opportunities in the world of electronics and DIY projects. This allows you to join metals and create reliable and stronger electrical connections.

There are two soldering techniques: through-hole soldering and surface mount devices soldering. Both techniques required different tools with some similarities in tools.

To start your soldering journey, you can acquire the necessary tools and materials. The estimated budget we have provided can be increased or decreased depending on the brand.

As you progress and gain more experience, you can gradually invest in additional tools and upgrade your equipment. Happy soldering!