60/40 Rosin core.

Get one with tips that can be changed out in different heat settings and shapes. 600-700 degrees is fine for PCB work. 800 degrees is best for coil solder lugs with a wide tip. The ones with digital heat control are much more expensive than the ones that do it with changeable tips.

So if you are looking for just under the playfield get an 800 degree iron.

Recommended Brands (not in any order):

Weller, Metcal, Pace.

I started a thread on this very same subject a few months ago ...

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/soldering-station-recommendations

Use "leaded solder", it works better, seals better, and better than the "safer" crap. IMHO

shinier too... the unleaded "dries" dull.. i like shiny things.

I have used a bunch of irons over the years , but the one I use is one from ISO Tip model 7700 (See pic). It is cordless, heats up almost instantly, comes with 2 tips and is made in USA. You can get it from McMaster Carr or Grainger or right at their web site iso-tip.com. It costs about $50 but well worth it, a snap to use anywhere on the playfield or under. Works with pretty much any solder 50/50 60/40 rosin core, (I use 50 tin 50 lead most of the time) and a good flux.

IMG_0723.JPG

don't forget to get the solder sucker. I got mine at Radio Shack for about $12 I think.

I have to say try eutectic solder. It's 63/37

It's more expensive, but worth it. It flows so nice you'll think you're cheating somehow.