Soldering Kit Essentials?

[fhm555]

I have an older model Hakko 936 and it is so much better than cheapo soldering irons. I second this recommendation.

I've got an ESD safe 936 on my work bench and a plain old 936 in my go bag. The one in my go bag is 12 years old and still works great after being lugged halfway to hell and back.
I use the brass wool tip cleaner and also keep a damp sponge for desmutting when needed.
As for flux it's really not something you need, but for a beginner it's a real help in quickly heating your parts. Surface contact between your work and tip are critical and flux just helps to increase that contact resulting in quicker heating. I would skip it unless you are having trouble with timely heat transfer.
Tin your iron tip and also tin both parts you intend to join and it will also help with heat transfer.

 

[Pilgrim]

I've used a lot of soldering irons (including the venerable Weller automotive version) and the Hakko makes doing good soldering work much easier. They're hard to find for good prices even on Ebay, but they do come around.