I'll be using it for all sorts of stuff (at the top of the list is automotive soldering and modifying guitars/amplifiers). I'd like to spend the least amount of cash possible, so those types with selectable wattages are out of the question.

What would you guys recommend for wattage? Are there any other considerations? Those "cold heat" guns look kinda cheap and gimmicky, but I like the idea of a cordless one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
~tyler

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I use a simple Radio Shack 25- (or maybe it's 30- or 40-) Watt soldering iron and a companion holder (pictured, model 64-2078). The iron costs less than ten dollars. The holder protects the hot iron from your hand and also holds a small sponge (which you should wet and use to wipe oxide from the soldering iron tip just before applying it to the junction to be soldered).

I know that better solutions exist. Weller is a leading manufacturer. I've used irons with temperature regulation controls, and they're nice, but not necessary for the sort of jobs that you'll be doing.

Use top quality fine gauge 60/40 (not 40/60) rosin core solder.

Here are some simple soldering ideas:<ul><li><a href="http://www.kingbass.com/soldering101.html">http://www.kingbass.com/soldering101.html</a</li></ul>

I opted for the 15/30W option which was only $10 for the iron (still cheaper than any options at other hardware stores). I also got the stand and the 60/40 solder. That's a good link too, I appreciate your input!