Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To build a portable soldering station, choose an iron and a compatible power source first, then make a caddy that securely carries the iron and the small set of supplies you use most. Adam Savage’s 2020 One Day Build is a useful example of that approach—not a universal kit list: he designed his compact setup around simple wire-soldering tasks and his own habits.
What makes Adam Savage’s station portable?
The idea is to keep an iron and frequently used soldering supplies together so you can move the setup to a workbench instead of gathering tools from separate storage. In the original Tested episode, published January 15, 2020, the station is described as compact, mobile, and intended for simple wire-soldering work. Hackster’s account of the build likewise presents it as a way to carry the iron and supplies Savage routinely reaches for.
The specific layout reflects Savage’s use patterns. Treat it as a design example: choose contents and storage to suit the jobs you actually do, rather than trying to reproduce every item in his caddy.
What did Savage include?
Tested’s official video description lists these items:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Fanttik T1 Max Soldering Iron Kit, Cordless Soldering Iron
- Extreme Tinning: Fanttik T1 MAX is equipped with 4pcs tailor-made C210 (C210-I, C210-IS, 2pcs C210-K) rapid heating soldering tips, long service life, and anti-oxidation. Achieve a fast heating in 7 seconds, reduce the waiting time, and improve the efficiency of your repair tasks.
- Compatible DC/AC Modes: With the built-in 2600mAh battery in wireless mode, the maximum DC Output is 12W for up to 60 minutes at 840°F (450°C). Its small size is not bound by space, and maintenance work can be carried out anywhere. In wired mode, the maximum AC Output is 16W. It can be powered by a charger or mobile power supply with a Type-C port.
- Intelligent Gravity Sensing: After stopping working for 30 seconds, the soldering iron will enter sleep mode. T1 MAX will automatically restart to heat up to the temperature you set when picking it up again. NOTE: The red light flashes while heating, and the green light stays on when heating is complete.
- 6 Temperature Levels: The tail knob of the soldering iron has 6 levels for adjusting the temperature. Can be adjusted accurately and efficiently for different work scenes in the range between 390°F to 840°F (200°C to 450°C) so as not to damage heat-resistant components.
- Compact Structural with Stability: Equipped with an aluminum storage stand, the base tray can be pressed to pop up to store the welding head. The exquisite industrial design allows the soldering iron to be displayed on the table like an aesthetic piece, keeping the workbench clean, beautiful, comfortable, and pleasant.
- A USB-powered soldering iron
- A micro torch
- Wire nuts
- Helping hands
- A brass sponge for cleaning the iron tip
- Wire strippers
- Rubber feet
A third-party transcript index also lists solder, electrical tape, a battery connector, batteries, and heat-shrink tubing. Those details are useful clues to the setup, but the transcript index is not the official video description. See the indexed transcript alongside the original episode if you want to inspect the build.
How to plan a portable soldering station
- Choose the iron. Hackster reported that Savage selected a TS100 and described that model as programmable, with a built-in STM32 microcontroller. The article gives its input requirement as 12–24 V DC. This is older, secondary reporting about the iron in that build—not a current specification for every iron sold under a TS100-style name. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for the exact iron you plan to use.
- Match the power source to the iron. Hackster says Savage used battery packs from a cordless-tool platform he already owned and notes that aftermarket adapters for DeWalt packs were available. For your setup, confirm the iron’s required input and the battery adapter’s documented output voltage, current capability, polarity, connector, and compatibility. A connector that physically fits is not evidence that the combination is suitable.
- Choose supplies for your regular tasks. For simple wire work, consider which consumables and helpers you reach for most often—such as solder, wire strippers, helping hands, tip cleaner, electrical tape, or heat-shrink tubing. Add a torch only if it belongs in your workflow and can be stored safely. The aim is convenient access, not maximum capacity.
- Make a caddy around those choices. Arrange secure storage for the iron and its accessories, with rubber feet as one detail in Savage’s original build. Plan the layout around your selected tools and how you carry the station; the source does not establish universal dimensions or a fixed construction plan.
- Revisit the layout after using it. A later Tested rebuild, published December 14, 2022, changed the arrangement to better accommodate Savage’s USB iron, stow a micro torch, and add a solder dispenser. That evolution is a reminder that a caddy can change as your tools and habits do.
What the example does—and does not—establish
Savage’s build demonstrates a practical organizing principle: portability comes from keeping the iron and the supplies for common jobs together. It does not establish measured runtime, soldering performance, safety certification, or exact woodworking dimensions. Because the original episode dates to 2020, its rebuild to 2022, and Hackster’s reporting is older, check current documentation for any iron, battery, or adapter you select.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
iFixit FixHub Soldering Toolkit - Portable, Quick Heat-Up, Work Mat
- The ultimate soldering toolkit for precision work, wherever you are.
- The Soldering Toolkit has everything you need to solder at home or on the go, housed in a durable tool roll. This kit is ideal for professionals and hobbyists alike, with high-quality tools designed for precision and convenience.
- At the core is our Power Series Portable Soldering Station, an innovative 100W Power Station, and Smart Soldering Iron combo that offers 8 hours of continuous benchtop-level soldering without access to wall power.
- Get started in no time with all the tools and accessories you'll need to solder and desolder on the go, including solder, flux, a silicone work mat, tip cleaner and desoldering braid.
Rank #4
Sale
Soldering Iron Kit Cordless Portable 3200mAh Battery USB Rechargeable
- 5s Fast Heating: Our cordless soldering iron is equipped with 3 replaceable precision soldering tips(C210-I, C210-IS, C210-K), featuring 5‑second rapid heating, long service life, and excellent anti-oxidation. Whether for initial heating or reheating, it responds quickly, significantly reducing waiting time and improving efficiency for repairs and DIY projects. Additionally, with its solder sucker and precision tweezers, you can carry out soldering tasks smoothly.
- 5℃ Precise Temp Control&LED Display: With precise 5℃ temperature control & large LED screen, you can easily adjust temperature from 392℉-932℉(200 - 500℃, with ℃/°F conversion)by the +/- buttons. Ideal for precision soldering, circuit board tinning, jewellery repair, RC repair, wire below 18 AWG and etc.
- Compatible Wireless/Wired Modes –With the built-in 3200mAh battery in wireless mode, the maximum DC Output is 12W for up to 60 minutes at 932°F (500°C). When you need more power or longer run time, just connect the soldering iron to any USB-C charger or power bank, and you're ready to go. In wired mode, the maximum AC Output is 16W.
- Auto-sleep & Auto-shutdown: After powered on, the soldering iron stand still for 30s will enter sleep mode. If no operation is detected within 10 minutes, it will automatically power off — safe and energy-efficient. And the battery soldering iron will automatically restart to heat up to the temperature you set when picking it up again. Note: The red light flashes during heating, while the green light stays on when ready for use.
- Premium Quality: The soldering iron main unit is crafted from high-quality engineering plastic with a diamond-pattern texture, which can improve grip and heat insulation. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort even during prolonged use. The square-shaped main unit can be placed on any flat surface without the risk of rolling or slipping. The tip fixing nut is made of heat-resistant material, which is durable and not easy to melt or loosen.Built for durability, this soldering iron kit delivers reliable performance you can count on.
Rank #3
Sale
WEP 927-IV Soldering Station Kit High-Power 110W with 3 Preset Channels, Sleep Mode, LED Magnifier, 5 Extra Iron Tips, Tip Cleaner, 2 Helping Hands, Tip Storage Slots, Lead-free Solder Wire, Tweezers
- High-power Performance: This soldering iron kit's 110W heating element allows the soldering iron to heat up fast. You can set your desired temperature from 90°C~480°C(194°F~896F°). Precise double numerical display presents the set temperature and actual temperature at the same time for you to monitor real-time temperature changes.
- User-friendly functions: 3 preset channels save you the hassle of repeated temperature configurations. You can save your usual temperature settings and press one button to toggle between channels. Sleep mode allows the soldering station to rest in low temperature when not in use for an extended period, thus reducing wear on the soldering iron and prolonging the lifespan of the soldering station. You can set the timer from 0 to 99 minutes.
- Compact and space-saving design: This soldering iron kit integrates soldering iron, iron holder, tip cleaner, solder wire dispenser, helping hands, magnifying glass with LED lights and tip storage slots into one station, thus greatly reducing the space needed. This design can be especially useful for those who have smaller working space and require more space optimization.
- Complete set of accessories: WEP 927-IV comes with a full-fledged set of accessories to suit your varied needs. No more holding the components in your hands. Helping hands can assist you in fixating components from different directions. Magnifying glass with LED lights helps you with more micro soldering work by enlarging components and providing sufficient light. Use solder wire dispenser and tip storage slots to store your solder wire and soldering tips, making your workbench well-organized.
- Please note that WEP 927-IV model uses WEP #1400 Soldering Iron Tips, which are available in our store. This soldering iron kit is covered by our exclusive 1-year USA technical support, with 24-hour assistance from our dedicated team. Note: This product is rated for 110-127V USA specifications. Do not connect this iron to a 220V power socket.
Rank #2
Sale
YIHUA 926 III 60W Digital Display Soldering Iron Station Kit w 2 Helping Hands, 6 Extra Iron Tips, Lead-Free Solder, Solder Sucker, S/S Tweezers, °C/ºF Conversion, Auto Sleep & Calibration Support
- Fast Heating & Adjustable Temperature - This digital soldering station heats up fast and has a wider temperature range (194℉~896) to choose from. The soldering iron can stay at the set temperature consistently with its PID temperature stabilization. This product conforms to the UL Standard (U.S.), [an Important Evaluation for Electric Appliances Safety].
- Space Saving – This compact soldering station helps save precious work space with an integrated soldering iron holder to provider greater space saving. The metallic protective mesh at the rear of the station prevents accidental contact with the soldering iron, and the mesh comes with soldering tip storage slots.
- Functions & Features – includes easy °C to °F conversion, Sleep Mode (5/10/30 mins adjustable), and Digital Temperature Calibration. All functions and temperature read-outs are displayed via a digital display, and accessed via a master control knob. The station enters sleep mode when non-use is detected for longer than the set duration to reduce unnecessary wear for the soldering tip and heating element.
- 12-IN-1 – This soldering iron kit includes the YIHUA 926 III Soldering Station, 2 Helping Hands, 6 Soldering Tips(YIHUA #1200/900M Series), Roll of Lead-free Solder Wire (35g), Solder Sucker, ESD Safe Tweezers, Solder Wire Dispenser, Cleaning Sponge.
- Choose YIHUA with Confidence – Enjoy our 12-month US- exclusive manufacturer technical coverage and 24/7 professional assistance on Amazon. Note: This model is designed to operate on 110-127V with a US-standard power plug.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
