Need help with choseing a soldering station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: sycho123321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2015, 10:46:35 pm
content: So ive been looking for a decent soldering station for a while and came across thishttp://www.ebay.com/itm/853D-SMD-DC-Power-Supply-Hot-Air-Iron-Gun-Rework-Soldering-Station-Welder-6-Gift-/181296302846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a361a0afeive heard alot of great stuff about this iron but am still cautions about this because of its won-hung-low brandbut I really like how it has a hot air gun and the power suppy is a nice addtion too. A lot of people have said they love it so i think i might get it,Thanks !Lukas

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 12:47:59 am
content: QuoteThen don't buy.$90 for a knock-off seem too steep to me.

author: sycho123321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 01:04:25 am
content: What soldering stations that would be under 100$ would you recondmend ? \Thanks

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 01:25:15 am
content: you should be able to snag a hakko fx-888 for around that.

author: sycho123321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 01:26:49 am
content: ok ill look into that thanks

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 02:07:11 am
content: QuoteGet a temperature controlled handle for $10 and send $90 to your favorite charities.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 07:37:37 am
content: Quote from: Fsck on January 07, 2015, 01:25:15 amYou can't buy the analog version anymore. You can only get the FX-888D.Buy the FX-888D from an authorized reputable dealer. There are many fakes on ebay.PS. I have a FX-888 from an authorized Canadian dealer and I'm happy with it. I expect mine to last 20 to 30 years since I rarely use it now.

author: xibalban
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 12:53:16 pm
content: Watch Dave's guide, linked below:http://www.eevblog.com/2011/06/19/eevblog-180-soldering-tutorial-part-1-tools/Also, if you are a beginner, I doubt that you'd require a hot air tool yet.

author: CrashBang
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 02:46:16 pm
content: Dave's guide linked above is really excellent.As a hobbyist, I shied away from a decent soldering iron until I eventually cracked the piggy bank open - it was the best thing I did.A good temperature controlled one, with decent tips that didn't corrode when I blinked at them. If I could do it again I would in a second.So look for a good deal, but don't waste your money buying a half-baked one.

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 03:29:44 pm
content: It take more skill to work cheap / bad equipment , then quality equipment .What you make a mess of with the cheap stuff , may more than overcome the cost of a good tool .

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 09:16:35 pm
content: As already mentioned, you can get a name brand entry level station for around the same money as what you linked here in the US. TheHakko FX-888Dis one, theWeller WES51is another.Between the two, Hakko has thicker iron plating on their iron tips (they last longer), but its digital interface isn't as easy to use. The Weller uses a knob if you prefer analog control (easier to use than the FX-888D), but their tips tend to have thinner plating so won't last as long IME. Check out Amazon for additional reviews on both stations.TEquipment also offers members a 6% discount on top of those prices (PM sent). Toss in some extra tips (chisels are particularly useful), and you'll be able to get free shipping as well (orders over $99 qualify).Hakko's Tip Selection Pagemight be of interest as well.Regarding hot air, you're better off with separate units IMHO, as you can use one to fix the other. Particularly as hot air tends to be a Chinese brand for most hobbyists, and is more likely to need repair/service.

author: sycho123321
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 10:41:03 pm
content: ok ill check that all out thanks for replying!