Workbench upgrade time... need a decent iron that won't break the bank. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Evil Lurker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 04:13:31 pm
content: Well now that I've actually acquired some employment and have a steady paycheck coming in, I've decided to make some upgrades to my workbench, additional lighting, ESD protection, so on and so forth. Main thing is daddy needs a new soldering iron. Any suggestions? Max I'd like to spend (for right now... will upgrade again later ) is around $100USD. An iron/hot air combo would be nice if such a beast is available in that price range. Yes I know, Chinese junk for that coin but ya gotta start somewhere.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 06:28:18 pm
content: A genuine Hakkohttp://amzn.com/B00ANZRT4M

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 11:20:39 pm
content: I'll second the Hakko for that price range. You can get Iron/Hot air combos for $100, but they'll be garbage. If you really want to scrimp, you could go for an Aoyue 936 or similar. It's a knockoff of an older Hakko model, but the Aoyue stuff is pretty decent for the price in my experience. For hot air, the 858 hot air stations for ~$50 are a pretty good bet, just do your research on which particular makes are okay, and crack it open to give it a good looking over before you use it, just to be safe.

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 12:37:56 am
content: I know people aren't as hot on the WES51 as they are the Hakko, but I loved my WES51 and I returned the Hakko. I tried many tips with it and they just wouldn't wet and transfer heat like the WE51 does. I use the ETP tip for everything and it is the perfect balance for me.

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 01:59:06 am
content: For standard soldering iron get Hakko m, or one that can use Hakko tip. Look at some DIY type from China that has added feature. Hot air, Aoyue and Quick are as good. But for desoldering iron, get Hakko or better. The suction power was not there yet for China clone. Avoid the "yellow flower" brand from China.If I can start afresh, first I shall get a standalone China DIY that can detect the soldering iron is off the stand, and startup from sleep mode and output a signal to turn on the fume suction. Next I shall get a combo hot air-soldering iron. The iron there shall act as a spare, and at the same time for SMT usage as many times 2 irons are needed. You shall need a standalone as the combo is too troublesome to move around.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 02:29:22 am
content: Don't know your country, but the standard answer is the Hakko FX-888D:http://www.tequipment.net/HakkoFX888D-23BY.html?search=trueOthers will provide a better answer if you are over the pond. You will always get what you pay for and there have been many complaints about the Chinese clones. Don't piss away your hard earned money. It is better to wait and save up. Instant gratification rarely gratifies. I know from experience. The soldering iron is one of the tools that will probably get the most use, so spend wisely. Buy original Hakko tips not the 10 for $2 tips from Asia and they will last many years with a little care. On top of that, the FX-888D will make a nice second iron when you can afford your FX-951, JBC, Metcal.My first real iron was a REAL Hakko 936 that was bought personally for a company project. I saved and scrimped a bunch of money and bought a new FX-951 and then found a deal for a used Metcal MX-500 with tweezers and base for a little bartering of some hoarded NOS components at my local Surplus Store. I added a new wand and stand plus 6 tips all in for about $190. I do enjoy using both.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 09:26:59 am
content: Quote from: Evil Lurker on November 07, 2015, 04:13:31 pmYou haven't stated where you're located, which is necessary for proper recommendations & relevant pricing. As it happens, you can set your country in your user profile, which will display your flag beneath your userID on each post.Regarding a combo unit, I'd suggest you get separate units for iron and hot air instead, as you can use one to fix the other. This also has the benefit of allowing you to buy a quality iron and a low cost model for hot air (iron is usedfarmore than hot air, so the improved performance, comfort, and usability will matter a lot more here). Also, tier 1 brands for hot air rework stations are rather expensive for a hobbyist (~$700+), so something a lot less expensive happens to be an acceptable compromise (if not a necessity).So my vote would be for either a Hakko FX-888D (digital control) or WES51 (analog control) if you're in the US/CAN, as both can be had for your budget (foolish to go cheaper). ~$50 can get you a hot air rework station (when funds permit).Also, see quoted post below.Quote from: GreyWoolfe on November 08, 2015, 02:29:22 am+1