[Boatanchors] soldering/desoldering on boatanchors

[Eugene Hertz]

hello all,

Well, my $69 digitally-temp controlled soldering iron from radio shack died  after about a total of 3 hours of combined use over 2 days.  Display no longer works so you cant change the temp.  Good think I kept my receipt!

So, I've decided that I get what I pay for and should buy a real unit.  After reading much, I *think* I will get the following items for soldering/desoldering hopefully with some advice, input, insight from you gents here who have actually done this stuff.  The following is my wish list from kiesub electronics (I have no connection with them). Plus, they have free shipping for orders > $100.

808-KIT/P Hakko 808 Desoldering Gun   $159.95 
936-12/P Hakko 936-12 Solder Station  $77.95 
A1394/P Hakko A1394 Desolder Nozzle   $13.95 

I have read many great things about the desoldering station 808, but mostly for use on pcbs. I was wondering if anyone has used this successfully on boatanchors? You will notice the last item I listed. It is a wide nozzle with an opening of 2.3mm which I thought could be very usefull for larger solder joints.

What say ye great list members?

More soldering questions.
1. What type of solder should I be using? silver? 60/40? Or perhaps I should ask what solder to avoid?
2. I picked up some rosin soldering flux from radio shack, but it is so thick like bees wax, I cant brush it on.  Anyone have a recommendation for this?
3. Anyone recommend some solder wick? (I hope I wont need it if I get the hakko desoldering but its probably good to have on hand).  
4. Is there a good online retailer for this accessory stuff?

thanks all!
Eugene
PS, I know there are many products out there such as weller, paco, xyltronics but I thought I'd try the hakkos.