Is it worth the upgrade from Hakko 936 to FX-888D ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 04:07:24 pm
content: I own a genuine Hakko 936 and has been with me for many years, its still working fine. Currently I need another new solder station, and coincidentally a friend is offering me his 936, which is also genuine since we ordered them together in the past.Currently thinking of a new shiny FX-888D or just buy my friend's 936 which is definitely cheaper, and even used, its still in perfect condition. Regarding used tip replacement cost is not an issue, I have plenty of them.Even though the FX-888D is an upgrade from 936 model, and it should be better, my question is more to you that had "used both", is it really worth it ?Fyi, the blink digital display on 888D does not impress me, its more of soldering performance & experience between both that I really like to hear.Please share your thought or suggestion, thanks.

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 04:13:03 pm
content: What's the price difference?Does the 936 need any work ,parts ,or repair ??Also check outhttp://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=19240&aff=421628

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 04:19:54 pm
content: Quote from: TorqueRanger on May 07, 2013, 04:13:03 pmMeh, thats a cheap 936 dodgy clone, I could get even cheaper here and totally not interested.My friend 936's condition is even better than mine, maybe only need a tip replacement which is not an issue.

author: Kilroy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 05:14:09 pm
content: Consider that the original 936 stations are designed to stack on top of one another to save on valuable bench space. That alone should make the decision a lot easier.Well...that, and the fact that the new model looks pretty much like a child's plaything....

author: Pat Pending
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 06:10:20 pm
content: I have an original 936 and the non digital version of the 888, both are great irons.The 936 is quiet in operation but the 888 hums - not that loudly but noticeably so against the silent 936.Both irons are ready to go in under 30 seconds though I do wish they would throttle down whenplaced back on the stand.The yellow paint on the 888 stand scratches off very early on and the handle fit in the stand is not as secure as I'd like.IMO the 936 'ages' better.I have some Wellers but their only use these days is for melting plastic.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 08:54:03 pm
content: The original 936 is better made all around. Made in Japan or Singapore [ vs Malaysia] with higher quality materials. You can easily replace the 936 pencil, heater and tips even today with Hakko inventory, as said before, it stackable with other tools compared to the 888.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 09:24:31 pm
content: I bought a few FX888 to replace the aging 926/936 units on the workbenches and my guys tell me that the FX888 is better to use. It is a little more powerful in the heater department I believe.Mind you, I still use a 936 at home and at work and it works fine for me. A new tip can do wonders of course.It's not just the outside of the tip that wears - after a long time the inside doesn't contact the heater uniformly and heat transfer is reduced.To the other poster, I can't say I've heard any hum from a FX888 or seen any paint coming off. Are there fake FX888 out there?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 09:28:01 pm
content: Quote from: David_AVD on May 08, 2013, 09:24:31 pmBased on other threads here, it seems so.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 10:35:47 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on May 07, 2013, 04:07:24 pmSlight in crease in capacity, but not a huge difference.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 10:40:43 pm
content: Quote from: David_AVD on May 08, 2013, 09:24:31 pmQuote from: nanofrog on May 08, 2013, 09:28:01 pmThere are fake Hakko FG-100 tip thermometers out there too. I know because I believe I have one.

author: ConnorGames
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 11:46:11 pm
content: I can hear a faint hum on mine, purchased through sparkfun or adafruit (i forget which, although I believe it was adafruit). The yellow paint on the iron stand that rubs up against the iron when inserted is also starting to wear.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2013, 12:02:06 am
content: There is a very quiet hum from my FX-888 when the temperature control cuts in. I don't mind that as it gives me an audible reminder that the unit is switched on in addition to the flashing light.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2013, 02:13:19 am
content: Quote from: ConnorGames on May 08, 2013, 11:46:11 pmI can confirm this happens. The paint doesn't flake off but rather starts wearing off and sticking to a plastic past in the soldering iron, giving it a slight yellow tinge. Doesn't matter at all, the base doesn't seem to rust even in the bad conditions I got here (less than 500m off the coast, and sometimes high humidity).

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2013, 07:52:20 am
content: Thanks for all replies, yes, I'm aware they're stackable, its just the new one will be placed at different location. And my 936 never made any hum noise at all.Quote from: EEVblog on May 08, 2013, 10:35:47 pmYes, this is exactly I was expecting to hear, thanks Dave.Right, I've made my mind, my friend's 936 is going to be mine, again, thank you all.