Buying a Soldering Station (Beginner) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ukee1593
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2013, 01:39:40 pm
content: Hi,So I finally need to buy my own soldering station and have been looking at a few units:First of all is the Dave-Approved Hakko FX-888. There are just so many tips for this iron. If I was to buy this one (As I'm in Australia) I think that Element 14/Farnell is currently the only option:http://au.element14.com/hakko/fx-888/soldering-station-fx-888/dp/171902101I've heard about people getting fake FX-888's. Is element 14 likely to have this problem?Also, which tips does the soldering iron come with? and which should I purchase (I plan on doing through hole and SMD work immediately)?I've also been pondering the soldering iron that Jaycar sells: the GOOT RX-711AS. Has anyone used this iron. I've noticed that Jaycar doesn't sell many tips for this particular iron (only conical tips) but I've found a wider range on ebay.http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1440&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=953#1Finally, (probably a stupid question) but is there any advantage to stepping up to the hakko FX-950/951 for a beginner?Thanks for reading.Luke

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2013, 06:48:44 pm
content: I have Bakku o Baku 702B rework station, AMAZING! Totally recomended.

author: millerb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2013, 07:15:18 pm
content: Quote from: JuanPC on June 30, 2013, 06:48:44 pmThat looks similar in a few ways to my X-Tronic 4040 station. Same hot air wand cradle and plastic soldering iron cradle. Probably made in the same sweatshop! Haven't had a problem with mine.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2013, 09:23:10 pm
content: I'd still go with the Hakko if it where me.My reasoning has to do with the variable quality and issues reported. Some of which have had real safety concerns (hot or neutral attached to the chassis ground for example). Handles on the irons have been reported to be hot/uncomfortable after more than a few joints as well, so that may be important to you.As to which Hakko model, the FX-951 has a newer heating technology, but the tips will be a bit more expensive due to the heater and sensor in the tip rather than the handle (should recover faster with the heater in the tip = less time between joints), and it has additional features as well (such as auto sleep; download the manual for it and give it a look for the details). As per needing the more advanced model however, that's up to you. The FX-951 is nicer to have, but not absolutely critical IMHO, as either unit can produce good joints.Just use good quality supplies as well, or regardless of the station (including who made it), you may end up frustrated due to issues such as poor quality flux that won't wet properly, and generates poor joints.Hope this helps, and good luck.

author: ukee1593
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2013, 04:11:38 am
content: Thanks for the replies everyone.I think I'll probably go with the standard FX-888. I took a look at the 951 tips and they are so much more expensive ... Thanks for pointing that out nanofrog!!Still would like to hear any opinions on the Goot RX-711AS that Jaycar is selling.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2013, 08:32:37 am
content: Quote from: ukee1593 on July 01, 2013, 04:11:38 amIt might be decent (silicone wire used for the iron), but at $299AUD, it's very expensive for what it is IMHO. Would expect much closer to ~$100AUD or less for a Chinese station of this type.For that kind of money, you can add another $100, and get a JBC Compact model (arguably the best out there).

author: ukee1593
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2013, 10:11:53 am
content: Thanks for that ...I took a look at the JBC irons ... The cheapest they go in Australia is $500 as far as I could see. I'd much prefer to save that money for buying an oscilloscope!!Can't seem to find if the Hakko unit has a silicone wire to the iron. I hope so, but not a deal breaker!

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 01, 2013, 10:21:37 am
content: Try both oritech.com.au and mektronics.com.au They stock many brands including Hakko, JBC, Metcal etc etcOne or the other often has specials, and if not, you can email them and pretend you got a better deal from the other and they'llmost likely match it :-) PS: Don't tell anyone I said that !! Even so, cheaper than Farnell etc and usually everything in stock.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2013, 10:36:31 am
content: Quote from: ukee1593 on July 01, 2013, 10:11:53 amHakko uses silicone insulated wiring to the iron.It's the Chinese stuff you'd need to wonder about.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2013, 12:28:05 pm
content: Well,atten use it too

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 01, 2013, 12:39:18 pm
content: Thanks for starting this thread ukee1593. You inspired me.My Hakko FX-888 with a selection of tips is on the way.

author: ukee1593
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2013, 01:28:30 pm
content: ^^ Glad you found this helpful!I've ordered mine from Oritech.com.au. I think they are waiting for stock or something so hopefully it arrives some time next week!!