BENCH PLANNING / 02
Build around the work.
A practical starting budget for soldering, small-component rework and low-voltage board diagnosis.
All figures are GBP planning allowances. They are not live prices, product recommendations or measured performance rankings.
Your work
Start with a dependable iron, suitable tips and controllable power for low-voltage projects. Add hot air when your work involves removing SMD parts.
Tool allowances
Light through-hole work and small boards; choose the tip shape for the joint.
Not included in this plan. An iron covers soldering joints; it does not replace hot air for every SMD removal job.
Low-voltage projects; verify startup and output discharge before connecting a sensitive load.
Allowance for fume control, ESD provisions, solder, flux, wick and hand tools.