Soldering station recommendation

Dracule1 · « **on:** 19 Nov 2011, 05:54 pm »

Can anyone recommend a good reliable user friendly soldering station? I plan to do some DIY work (eg, speaker crossover build and also modding electronics). I'm a novice at this. I would like a station that can display the temperature. My budget is around $100 to $200. Thanks.

JfTM · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 06:06 pm »

I have a Hako 936 and like it. I thought a reasonable price for a versatile station.

btw I'm no master solderer; mainly make my own cables, rewired a turntable, etc.

toxteth ogrady · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 06:12 pm »

Another vote for the Hako, great iron for diy.

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 06:16 pm »

Quote from: JfTM on 19 Nov 2011, 06:06 pm

I have a Hako 936 and like it. I thought a reasonable price for a versatile station.

btw I'm no master solderer; mainly make my own cables, rewired a turntable, etc.

Hako 936 - my reference.

Anand.

bregez · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 06:18 pm »

I second the Hakko 936. I use them at work all day long doing prototype work. Never a problem and replacement parts are available at a handful of retailers. Get the 936-12 with the medium iron. I think this station has been discontinued but there seems to be plenty still in stock. The newer version is the FX-888 which looks really ugly. If you don't like the Hakko check out the Weller WES51.

Delta Wave · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 06:40 pm »

Another for the Hakko, we use Weller at work and the quality and features of the Hakko stuff is far superior IMO.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 06:53 pm »

Thanks everyone for the Hakko

. Looks good. Is the medium iron small enough to do circuit board work such through hole work? Are the small and medium iron interchangeable on the same station? I doubt I will get enough skill to do SMD work, but I can see myself doing some through hole work.

Æ · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 06:55 pm »

Parts Express has their deal of the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-F7oQdDwY8&feature=player_embedded#!

*Scotty* · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 10:17 pm »

The Hakko 936 has been discontinued. Its replacement is 10 watts hotter and the tip heats faster and maintains its temperature more accurately. The Hakko FX 888 has a 65 watt heating element.
See link http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Soldering-Station-FX-888/dp/B004M3U0VU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321738883&sr=8-1

Scotty

wywires · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 10:37 pm »

Weller WES51...I use mine all day long. Heats up fast, cools off fast for different temp requirements. Highly recommended. Around $90-$95.

jtwrace · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 10:44 pm »

Truly the best soldering station I've ever used is the Metcal units. For your budget I'd try to find one on ebay and it's the last one you will ever need.

The Ok brand isn't that bad either and you can get a new one for your budget.

http://www.metcal.com/products/

http://www.okinternational.com/product_soldering/ps_series_systems

It's not always about the watts. Wire is a heat sink so the ramp up time and stability is key. Once you try one of these you'll never go back. Of course if you use it once every year it's not worth the investment.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Nov 2011, 11:01 pm »

This is the best solder station I see today, not know the brand or model though.

bregez · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 Nov 2011, 03:27 pm »

Quote from: Dracule1 on 19 Nov 2011, 06:53 pm

Is the medium iron small enough to do circuit board work such through hole work? Are the small and medium iron interchangeable on the same station? I doubt I will get enough skill to do SMD work, but I can see myself doing some through hole work.

The medium iron is small enough to do some surface mount work and large enough to heat connectors if you plan on making any cable assembles. It works perfectly for through hole work. There are around 20 different tips available varying in sizes and shapes for different applications. The small and medium iron will work with the same station.

Dracule1 · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 Nov 2011, 04:24 pm »

Thank you all for your suggestions and information. I have ordered the Hakko FX-888.

sturgus · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Nov 2011, 04:11 am »

I have had one of these for about 4 years now and it works fine. I have built several kits and some cap swaps on some gear. Also built quite a few IC's and speaker cables. It was recommended to me by a tech that does lots of mods on gear. I think he used his for about three years(8 hours a day) before he had a problem with it. When I bought mine they were a little cheaper $31.00. I would buy another.
Sturgus

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/sr-976n-solder-station.html

Just saw you order the Hakko. Good choice.

peranders · « **Reply #15 on:** 28 Nov 2011, 08:38 pm »

The best soldering iron I have ever tested is from JBC. Expensive? Yes! Ericsson uses them.

Hot in 2 seconds, possible to change tip on the fly. 140 watt!

http://jbc.es
http://www.jbctools.com/images/products/print/print_CD.pdf

Mitsuman · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 Nov 2011, 09:34 pm »

Quote from: Dracule1 on 21 Nov 2011, 04:24 pm

Thank you all for your suggestions and information. I have ordered the Hakko FX-888.

Me too!

Mitsuman · « **Reply #17 on:** 5 Dec 2011, 06:13 pm »

Used my new Hakko FX-888 and I must say, for the $$ it's a great little unit right out of the box. Now I need some more tips.

CIAudio · « **Reply #18 on:** 5 Dec 2011, 07:04 pm »

I switched from Weller to Hakko about 20 years ago and have never looked back.
All of our soldering, de-soldering, and rework stations are Hakko. Even my very first 926 station is still in daily use after 20+ years of service.

Æ · « **Reply #19 on:** 5 Dec 2011, 07:51 pm »

Quote from: CIAudio on 5 Dec 2011, 07:04 pm

I switched from Weller to Hakko about 20 years ago and have never looked back.
All of our soldering, de-soldering, and rework stations are Hakko. Even my very first 926 station is still in daily use after 20+ years of service.

I don't even have a "station." I'm quite happy, competent using my iron straight. I'm a long time UNGAR fan, works best for me. Their tips are kind of hard to find, since they were bought up by WELLER.