Homebrew PCBs

that's certainly one approach.  I think you will find a ground tip 
wont last that long.  I went through a succession of cheap irons and 
finally got a temperature controller soldering station (hakko - $90 
including tax) and a couple of fine tips.  very glad I did.  You can 
get similar new for 70-80 and maybe cheaper if you shop around.  
here's a used hakko on ebay (same model I got) for about your price. 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&item=3803309151&category=58293  These come up a lot on ebay. 
They have a lot of tips (including very fine ones) for around $5 each.

I really encourage you to not skimp on an iron - a good one will last 
a long time.  cheap out and not only will soldering be harder but you 
will replace it in a year or less.

By the way, there is a technique for soldering qfps and other fine 
pitch devices that doesn't use a fine tip iron - you just slather on 
the solder and use wick to clean the bridges.  People claim to have 
gotten good enough to not require any wick.  I found it by googling 
for the obvious keywords.
 
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Jeremy Taylor" <jt@j...> wrote:
> Get a cheap iron and grind the tip
> Or the "economy" weller station can use the full line of st tips, 
but that
> be closer to 60-70 w/shipping.w/ a  extra tip
> http://www.mouser.com/catalog/617/1183.pdf
> (at the bottom right of the page)
> 
> JT
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Moore" <pminmo@c...>
> To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 9:55 PM
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Fine soldering iron
> 
> 
> > Want to hand solder 44pin qfp's.  Need a new soldering iron that 
> > won't break the bank. (less than $50).  Suggestions?
> > 
> > Phil
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and 
files:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs 
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >  
> >