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Soldering Stations - what's hot and what's not?

Started by Philtre, February 10, 2018, 10:38:28 AM

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Philtre

I'm looking to buy a soldering station, and wondering what folks are using these days. I've done a search on the forum which has provided some pointers but I'd like to get an up to date consensus, and also, if possible, options that can be bought in the UK. At the moment, I'm considering the HAKKO FX-888D, but if there was a cheaper option that would be good.

somnif

I adore my Hakko 888. Quick heat up, surprisingly quick cool down, good sturdy construction, easy to buy tips for, comfortable in hand, etc etc etc.

But, I fully admit its also probably a bit overkill for what I use it for. Better than my old pencil iron, but I probably could have gotten away with a Weller WLC100 and saved 40$~ (I got my hakko on sale though, so... yeah)

But unfortunately I don't know what is easily available in the UK. The Hakko is a fantastic tool that will treat you well, but you could probably make do with less. (Hell, watch Big Clive on youtube. Dude is a damned wizard with a soldering iron and he uses some shitty 20$ Chinese Ebay toss off.)

EBK

I also have a Hakko 888.  My opinion, however, is that it is worth every penny.  I would never go back to a cheap, non-temperature-controlled iron.
"There is a pestilence upon this land. Nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history." --Roger the Shrubber

pickdropper

Well, I don't own a Hakko 888, but that's still what I'd recommend for anything less than $100.  It's a good, reliable station and the parts should be available for a long time.
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jubal81

Quote from: EBK on February 10, 2018, 11:39:03 AM
I also have a Hakko 888.  My opinion, however, is that it is worth every penny.  I would never go back to a cheap, non-temperature-controlled iron.

This. Changed my life, man.
"If you put all the knobs on your amplifier on 10 you can get a much higher reaction-to-effort ratio with an electric guitar than you can with an acoustic."
- David Fair

Philtre

Thanks for the feedback.

As I feel the need for a life-changing event, I just ordered a HAKKO FX-888D.  8)

EBK

While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   8)
"There is a pestilence upon this land. Nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history." --Roger the Shrubber

Philtre

Quote from: EBK on February 10, 2018, 03:10:05 PM
While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   8)

It's 60/40 - the real McCoy, not the vegetarian, low-fat stuff.  8)

matmosphere

I have a 40 watt version of this one:

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/60_Watt_Soldering_Station.html

It works well but the 60 watt is half the price I paid for the 40 a few years ago. Hopefully it's still the same quality but with that price difference you never know. If it's still good quality it's a steal for the price.

EBK

63/37 is vegetarian, low-fat eutectic solder.   8)
"There is a pestilence upon this land. Nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history." --Roger the Shrubber

Philtre


EBK

#11
Quote from: Philtre on February 10, 2018, 03:23:03 PM
Then what is Pb-free solder?
Garbage.
"There is a pestilence upon this land. Nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history." --Roger the Shrubber

pickdropper

Quote from: EBK on February 10, 2018, 03:10:05 PM
While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   8)

The best bet in leaded solder, IMHO.  Less chance of a bad joint.
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Philtre

Quote from: pickdropper on February 10, 2018, 03:35:45 PM
Quote from: EBK on February 10, 2018, 03:10:05 PM
While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   8)

The best bet in leaded solder, IMHO.  Less chance of a bad joint.

Much difference with 60/40? 3% difference?

gordo

Gordy Power
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