Soldering station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2010, 02:01:28 pm
content: So i need to get a new soldering station mine broke yesterday.. (it was a $5 one)Which one you guys recommend? i want it to last for my entire degree (im an ee student 3rd year)Alot of people recommend the WES51 for around $100 anything better than that? or you guys also recommend that WES51?

author: Vexer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2010, 02:35:12 pm
content: I'd get that one or a Hakko FX-888(though it doesn't seem to be available in the US right now).

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2010, 03:15:39 pm
content: I have a Metcal station but about a year ago I had to run out and grab a backup while I waited for a new heater for the Metcal to be shipped. I snagged one of these...http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307Granted at $40 US it's a cheapo (I think it's a rebranded Hakko 936), but the thing has really performed well. Far better than I expected.Turns out it's nice to have this one to drag around so I can leave the Metcal on the bench (the Metcal is crazy expensive).

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2010, 03:22:52 pm
content: alot of people are also recommending Aoyue 937+ , you guys have any input on that?

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2010, 04:44:24 pm
content: bah just ordered the Weller WESD51

author: bearman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2010, 06:45:09 pm
content: I just bought a Hakko 936-12Tequipment has them on sale for $78.98 USD. They have great price on extra tips also. I picked up several tips along with the 936 order. I hate not having spares on handThey must be clearing them out for when the FX888 hits the USA.It is my first solder station. I love it. I always had crap Radio Shack type irons. Boy did I miss out on a great tool all these years.Tequipment had fast shipping also to USA midwest area.

author: nyo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2010, 08:32:01 pm
content: I have a Hakko 936-12 as well and it rocks. Bought for under US$90 on ebay and it came with 10 different extra tips.

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2010, 09:30:43 pm
content: Regardless of which iron you get, do get a dry tip cleaner (the one that looks like a pot-scrubber). You'll never mess with a wet sponge again.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2010, 09:39:25 pm
content: Pace MBT350http://www.gsaservice.com/pace_desoldering_soldering_bga_rework_fume_extraction.htmExpensive, but will last a lifetime.

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2010, 03:32:47 am
content: Quote from: ModemHead on September 16, 2010, 09:30:43 pmthis:http://store.curiousinventor.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/r/dry_tip_cleaner_main.jpg?

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2010, 03:43:48 am
content: Quote from: ModemHead on September 16, 2010, 09:30:43 pmOK, I'm probably dating myself, and I'm probably proving I'm a tightwad, but, my tip cleaner actuallyISan old brass pot scrubber! I eventually decided to moisten it with some liquid flux but it's worked quite well without. I've never actually used one of the commercial versions.... The local shop wants $20 for a Hakko unit...... I get a 3 pack of brass scrubbers for $2 at the grocery store. One day I'll break down and buy a *real* one as they hopefully work even better.RegardsChristianPS: I did pick up a new Hakko 936, they were going cheap here too (Canada).

author: SuperMiguel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2010, 02:23:36 pm
content: Quote from: kaptain_zero on September 17, 2010, 03:43:48 amhow is the Hakko 936 compared with the weller wesd51, besides that it looks cooler

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2010, 02:56:31 am
content: Well, I don't have any experience with the Weller unit you reference, but by the specs I'd say that if it were anywhere near as cheap as what a Hakko 936 goes for you your end of the world, I'd buy it vs the Hakko. The Weller has a temperature readout that the Hakko 936 does not..... Both are industry quality gear otherwise and so there you go.Around here, Weller has always been well supported and easily purchased, Hakko has only fairly recently moved in on the scene. My previous station was a Weller, but it wasn't as fancy as the the 51 and I didn't like the way the element was wired in the hand piece, but to be fair, I purchased it second hand and I only ran it until it broke after my cheap as possible repair lasted. Perhaps someone else with more experience can chime in?RegardsChristian

author: TopherTheME
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2010, 03:52:47 am
content: I don't own a wesd51 but I've used them a lot at a previous employer. They are a good iron, not as nice as some of the metcals, but for the money they are pretty good. My only real complaint about them is the very ugly blue color and the tips always seemed to wear out kinda fast.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2010, 03:05:02 pm
content: A Weller station for around $100 (~85,00EUR)?I don't believe it! The cheapest Weller here in Germany (WTCP51 - Magnastat, not temp. controlled!) starts at about 170,00 EUR!It might be worth checking out the shipping cost from USA...