I bought this one from Amazon. It came with almost everything I needed. I had never soldered before, so I felt like getting a kit was my best option, since I wasn't sure what I'd need to go with it. The only thing I recommend getting, in addition to this kit, is soldering wick to remove the original solder when removing the original battery.
Got it a year ago, and it still works great.
Yeah you always want to apply extra flux, as flux is what make the solder harden into the ideal shape for a joint, which is what you want.
Also... The pencil Iron you bought broke after a single use?
I bought this pencil iron from Plusivo, have had it for over a year, and have never had it break done on me: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1ND4ZTEBSYWDN&keywords=plusivo+soldering+kit&qid=1668473969&sprefix=plusivo%2Caps%2C403&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Plus all the other goodies really make it worth it!
I didn't see the need for a soldering station that was likely to break down due to being made of complete Chinesium and having horrible QC, as that's what makes up that $40-$60 price point on Amazon
As for Soldering Station Care...
Make sure to Tin your tip with solder when you are done with a soldering session, which means to just melt some solder onto the tip, let it roll over and cover the tip, and then let the iron cool down.
This is to protect against tip oxidation while the iron is and isn't in use.
Make sure to regularly dust it though, as dust is the enemy of electronics.
And make sure to keep the station in tip top shape, and wipe it down regularly to prevent anything from leaving stains or getting inside.
And when you run out of solder, grab this good value kit to keep you stocked up (I personally use this solder, it's great): https://www.amazon.com/Solder-Wire-Rosin-Paste-Kit/dp/B07T2MKM23/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2OLF7ENEN5TJ5&keywords=plusivo+solder&qid=1668474658&sprefix=plusivo+solder%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-6
Remember to c lean flux off of your board once your done soldering on them, and that's about it!
(Also maybe get a fume extractor? It keeps the flux smoke from damaging your lungs)
-ND
Yes to all of your questions!
If you are looking to buy a kit, I recommend this one: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3PT2VI9ILJQJK&keywords=Plusivo&qid=1669588037&sprefix=pl%2Caps%2C690&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQUVNVzZNU0MwS0tIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzI3MDYzMjRIUVhZQkYwSERYTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDA3ODExMUIxQzFRNDZBMlNXUSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
It comes with everything you need to get started and do any basic projects, like soldering LED's, wires, and the like.
There are lots of videos on YouTube that explain the process in detail, just search up "How to solder" or "Beginner's guide to soldering".
As for buying kits and making stuff, you can find those on Amazon; I will link some here.
DIY Digital Clock Soldering Kit: https://www.amazon.com/WHDTS-Soldering-Practice-Electronics-Instructions/dp/B0711MHKDZ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=BFOM1NTZTOCU&keywords=digital%2Bclock%2Bsoldering%2Bkit&qid=1669588997&sprefix=digital%2Bclock%2Bsol%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-4&th=1
The above page also has some other kits available as well, pick whatever you fancy!
On top of that, you can also make things without a kit, and use parts from old devices; for example, you can DIY a solder fume extractor from a old pc fan, some carbon filter, and a power supply.
Here is a video from GreatScott!, a youtuber who does lots of DIY electronics videos, and investigates different aspects of the hobby, from sourcing component's to circuit design!
In this video he discusses desoldering and explains how to make a fume extractor:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb78wF1Tkwc
The possibilities are endless, as long as you can imagine them!
Have fun!
-ND