[AH] Trim-pot debacle (ADVICE PLEASE!)

[jorgen.bergfors at idg.se]

>Can someone give a beginner (me) a rundown on soldering stations? What they
are, how they work, advantages of, what models are best, etc.? Also what is
a Weller de-soldering station, are they worth looking into?

A soldering station is a soldering iron with built-in thermostat and transformer/stand. The heater usually runs on 24 volts, that's why the transformer is needed. There are soldering irons that run on mains voltage but they usually have no thermostat. I recommend the Weller TCP. It has been the industry standard ever since I got into electronics, over 20 years ago. It is also one of the least expensive among the "serious" stations. It is truly a lifetime investment. I have had mine for 20 years and have only replaced tips a couple of times.
A de-soldering station is a waste of money for a hobbyist. Get a good solder sucker. Just melt and suck away each solder joint in sequence. When you have gone through all the pins on the part, it can easily be removed. 

/Jorgen