WKSBambu Lab
Bambu Lab PLA Basic
Consistent everyday PLA with RFID-tagged spools that Bambu printers recognise automatically.
Best for Bambu owners who want filament that loads with the right settings, and anyone wanting dependable PLA.
Under $100
PINE64
PINE64 Pinecil
Pocket soldering iron powered over USB-C, running open-source firmware. Heats in seconds.
Strengths
- Heats in seconds and is accurate enough for SMD work
- Runs from a laptop-style USB-C charger
- Open firmware, actively developed by the community
Trade-offs
- Needs a capable USB-C PD charger for full power
- Less thermal mass than a bench station on big ground planes
Cheap soldering irons cause more failed electronics projects than bad components. The Pinecil fixes that at a low price: it heats in seconds, holds temperature well, and runs from the same USB-C charger as your laptop.
Pair it with a decent USB-C PD charger, since a weak phone charger limits its power, and add some flux and leaded or lead-free solder. That’s a complete soldering kit for under the price of most bench stations.
Also in Workshop Essentials