Soldering iron wattage?

[bfalls]

I purchased a variable wattage soldering station from Parts Express for $20 (up to 800+ watts). Any 60/40 solder should be fine. In contrast to Enochrome's comment, I find it better to have just a touch of solder on the tip to help transfer the heat to the solder junction. Touch both components you want to solder to heat them, then touch the solder to the junction. When properly heated the solder will flow to the heated components (wire, PCB run, etc...). If not properly heated the process could result in a cold solder joint. Bad for conduction. Difficult to troubleshoot.

Parts Express now has this soldering unit for under $16.