WTB: Good quality solder station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reddish75
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 10:39:22 am
content: Hi,Looking to buy a decent quality solder station, something akin to the Metcal mx-500, anyone have anything? I'm located in the U.KThanksChris

author: mark hodsman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 05:26:58 pm
content: Have a maplin (Precision gold A55KJ) controller and a few tips.... needs a replacement iron...£15 + postage?

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 01:11:40 pm
content: I normally stay away from any product that has double additives in there name , and especially when one of them have meaningless terms as one of them [ gold ] .The offer has a couple of things going for it , its in your country and 15.00 is not bad ?Just did a quick Goggle on it and prices were more than halved depending - that usually an indicator , then one of the top replies was an EEVblog post talking about it as a Hakko clone .Enough of that , not sure if you can find , I do a lot of shopping in eBay , and the more it costs the longer I will look , because given long enough almost anything will be sold over time for a term I learned going to auctions , sleeper , for any number of reasons an item is not seen / bid on or noticed and goes real cheap .I have a bunch of high end professional soldering gear that most came from eBay , maybe the best deal and JBC Micro desoldering station , this was new in box's with replacement parts - 5 each of 3 different tips , filters , power supply vacuum pump complete , these retail for $1500 to $1700 , I got it for $420 including shipping .Then a NIB JBC single soldering station for $225 , and a whole bunch of Metcal stuff real cheap used 3 of the SST models off craigs list $30 for a box of all kinds of soldering stuff , including the Metcal , then one of the Metcal desolder guns , tweezers , and then someone that had about 80 tips of about 15 types all new in packages .And other stuff , the point is get to know the gear , especially the beast gear , then keep an eye out for the sales that most everyone else missed , so you are not competing .It could be an issue with sourcing on either side of the PONDShipping is getting way over priced .Here is one that is a good started and on sale sometimeshttp://www.frys.com/product/7550776There are a lot of different soldering needs , and basically there is no such thing as one tool to do it all .

author: Iwanushka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 11:36:23 pm
content: my 0.02$ buy hakko fx-888, if you can afford better station (that heats faster) go with ersa nano/hako fx951 or used metcal if you like fixed temps

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2017, 06:35:23 am
content: I am looking for a new one too!I have a Bakon 937A and I am not too happy with it. The power is a bit low, but worse, I have get that S-E error where the display blinks and the iron stops heating.Now I am thinking Bakon BK3300 (200W ESD safe) or Atten ST-100 (100W and can preset 3 temperatures )Comments are welcome!

author: 4CX35000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2017, 08:18:00 am
content: I use a Katsu 936 digital solder station for everyday messing around. Can be found on eBay link below and soldering irons with replacement tips cost very little. There is a couple of downsides such as the length of the lead could do with being a little longer and the iron thermal conduction could have been a little better, but then I have used the iron regulary for well over a year and never had a problem and for me has been good value.http://www.ebay.com/itm/KATSU-936-Digital-Electronic-Soldering-Rework-Station-60W-312087-/292130123261?epid=1378510000&hash=item44044fedfd:g:Nt0AAOSwnK9ZRophorhttps://www.aimtools.co.uk/products/312087-soldering-rework-station-936-digital?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=32291741002&gclid=COL_7vqF1tQCFU48GwodLwsOyAGood video by a guy called Big Clive on the solder station.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 06:01:23 am
content: Start a unique/new thread if you are looking for advice on what to buy and mention your budget etc.Posting for help in others threads is considered poor etiquette and a form ofthread hijacking

author: BU508A
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 07:13:33 am
content: I have this station:http://uk.farnell.com/weller/wd-1000hpt/soldering-station-120w-230v/dp/2629106

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 09:36:48 am
content: Finally bought the Atten ST-80That is the US$150 class. Probably less than half of the Metcal mx-500 or BU508A's Weller, but IMHO a good work tool.You can pre-set 3 temps with push button access. When you set something different - it's still there when you switch on the station next time. It shows the real tip temp.I bought mine in China, so not sure if the seller replaced the tips, but the tip that was supplied was oxidated in a Minute. I have enough old (probably fake too) Hakko tips that fit and do the job - and last.100% happy user here (not considering the supplied tip)*********************Update:If like really high end and don't mind some DIY, there are Weller WMRP/WXRP DIY station plans (based on Arduino Nano) out there. You still need to use the original Weller tip (US$30-40 I think).https://github.com/ArduinoHannover/Maiskolben(in German, there are Gerbers for a THT PCB)

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 02:49:48 pm
content: Quote from: Yellofriend on June 30, 2017, 09:36:48 amBad advice.Atten ST-80 is a copy of several Hakko designs. Similar controls, soldering iron looks copied, heater looks copied, tips are 100% fake.Hakko Fx-888D is 70-100 USD for the 120V version and around 150 USD for the 220/240V version.

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 10:23:41 am
content: Quote from: Shock on July 01, 2017, 02:49:48 pmWell, I get more power, 3 fix temp buttons and a nice standby mode. Tips are not branded, but after my tips 'expire' I will certainly buy original Hakko tips only ;-)But no question that the Hakko is an excellent deal too and that's also a high quality tool. I like brand items.Would I buy it again? Well, in terms of quality certainly. But I have already one and for 2nd one (in fact I need on in 2 locations) I might go the DIY road.

author: EHT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 09:57:44 pm
content: I would have bought one of those Hakko 888s ages ago if it weren't for the ridiculous 1-button interface. Why-o-why did they get rid of the rotary control to make it as unusable as the worst digital watch ever. I suppose if you leave it on the same temp all the time it doesn't matter but it would irk me. I wonder if they are going to bring out a new revision with say 2 buttons, "up" and "down"!

author: microbug
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 10:13:55 pm
content: Quote from: EHT on July 11, 2017, 09:57:44 pmIt really doesn't bother me. There are 5 presets that you can cycle through; 200-450 in 50ºC increments. I have not yet needed a lower or more specific temperature, for that I'd probably have to dig out the manual.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 07:08:53 pm
content: I also have the Katsu 936D from Ebay, fitted it with a Hakko tip, never had any bother with it at all. Not much difference in price to a normal 230v iron but boy, what a joy it is to solder with. I have never had a better iron in my hands. Its the same as the one in the video by Big Clive but with a different brand name on it. I never had any problems with the internal build quality or earthing issues, did have the sleeved earth pin on the plug though, binned that and fitted a decent plug and 3A fuse, very happy bunny and enjoy soldering now.

author: Trakehner1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 07:39:27 pm
content: Search the sales section, someone was selling an almost unused Hakko 888. Its looks are controversial (I like it) but its a great tool and tips are easily affordable.While browsing I found the offer -https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-new-hakko-fx888-16by-(eu-version)/

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 08:09:30 pm
content: Have a PACE ST-75 analogue controlled solder station, TD-100 handpiece and stand, a tJ-85 hot air pencil and a pair of SX-90 desolder guns both with stands a couple of tips as well and a foot switch for the air. Most of it brand new except for the SX-90 desolder guns, they seen a bit of use. £200 P.S. the tips ain't so good with lead free solder.

author: EHT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2017, 04:37:38 pm
content: QuoteOK, thanks - good to know. I'll probably get one then.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2017, 06:09:09 pm
content: Quote from: BU508A on June 27, 2017, 07:13:33 amI like that the output power is 160W, but the price is a deal killer. My current iron is a 70W Edsyn CL1080 and sometimes 70W just doesn't cut it...

author: sarel.wagner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 08:39:04 am
content: I do have a Hakko and Weller stations. See this link:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/trial-on-the-ai-controlled-ts100-soldering-iron/msg760180/#msg760180Nice cost effective solution Mini TS100, mine is now on order.Rgrds

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 11:53:13 am
content: Yes, from what I have read, the TS1000 is a very good iron.Personally, I would recommend the Metcal (I just picked up a Metcal SP200 off ebay for around £50 - bargin)They normally go for between £80 to £120.Another way is to pick up the PSU off ebay and then get the Thermatronics handle for it :http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thermaltronics-SHP-S-replacement-hand-piece-Metcal-OKI-SP200-SP-HC1-compatible/253041697201?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649You just need to keey your eye out and keep trying, took me months before I won this one for the right price.If you want a rf iron and want it new, look at the OKI (they took over Metcal) PS900. They come in at around £200 new.If you are on a really tight budget but still want good performance, have a look at the Bakon BK950Dhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/bakon-bk950d-soldering-station-my-opinion!!/Just do not use the supplied tip and replace it with a proper Hako tip.Happy soldering