[TomS]

Nice entry level solder station for $34.95.  Essentially works the same as the classic Weller designs.  They even have a lead free version.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

[dado5]

Has anyone here have experience with a battery powered soldering iron called ColdHeat?.....

It is not a good tool for electronic soldering.  It has to be positioned rather precisely to work and this is difficult to do on most PCBs and impossible on lugs, posts and tabs.

I prefer butane irons for most work. They are small, temperature controlled, easy to maneuver in tight spaces and have no cord. The more advanced models have attachments for use as small torch and heat gun.

[Kim S.]

I thought the ColdHeat thing sounded too good to be true.  I've never tried the butane ones.  They sound interesting.

[Folsom]

I have never used the Coldheat but I would it is dangerous with anything but just wire. Plus I doubt it is easy to tell if you have a cold solder joint etc... It is just TOO much heat for critical things. It is suppose to be what, over 800 degrees right? I usually solder at about 780 degrees and I still have to be careful.

[Folsom]

I started with a Hagerman Tech kit.  These are great kits, well documented and require almost no knowledge of electronics what-so-ever.  This was my first experience soldering. 

Another great tool is to buy some simple boards or circuits off ebay....cheap....and practice on them.  It basically is pretty easy, and after you solder a few components to a board you'll get the jist of it. 

Thrift store. If you buy new your an ass (things made to practice on). Why contibute to extra shit the world never needed or will need.