Favorite Soldering Iron and Tips...

[Icre8art]

  I know people would love to hear what your favorite soldering iron is, whether you use a rheostat and what tips you prefer.

I would!

[mmezalick]

Hexacon Heavy-Duty Series Plug Tip Irons 175 - 250 watts, 1/2" chisel tip
http://www.hexaconelectric.com/hvyduty.html

Most times without the use of a rheostat.
If you can solder fast enough you shouldn't need one.

Michael

[Tod]

Similar sizes as Michael for lead but with the rheostat as I'm not that fast!
- Tod

[alyson]

I like the Hexacons for soldering brace bars, or if the panel is zinc or has particularly wide-faced came, but I prefer not to use them otherwise.  They're too heavy and awkward for me, and cause my wrists to hurt.  I used to absolutely love the Ungar for its pencil delicacy, but it was expensive and low-watt, and I was getting laughed out of the shop.  I don't know if it's still made, since I understand it was bought out by Weller.

Eventually I compromised with the Weller 100watt temperature control iron.  Its quality varies, and one iron will only last me three or so years (of almost daily use), but I like using the tips to control the temperature, and it's not too heavy.  A rheostat has finally become an extension cord for me.

[mouchette]

The Weller 100 watt (no rheostat) tends to be the standard every-day iron for everyone at our studio. 

Personally- I like something hotter that isn't gigantic, so I use a Hakko 456 without a rheostat.  It's lightweight and actually (in spite of it's meager 60 watts) idles REALLY hot.  Without a temp control, it will vaporize stuff if you aren't quick.  For heavy leads and re-bars I'll sometimes plug in two of them and alternate.