Soldering Iron - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tapeworm
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 22, 2010, 04:45:38 am
content: I was looking at getting a station. I didn't want to spend too much, I was looking at something around $100, any suggestions?Pro's and cons? Any experience you have with some of the recommendations? Thanks in advance!

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2010, 06:17:05 am
content: I'm a big fan of Hakko. I'm not sure what the prices where you live are, but you can get the 936 for sure. It has been replaced by the FX-888.If you can get your hands on a 937 for the price its a great unit.I've tried the 936 and actually liked it very much. I was going to buy the 937 myself, but for a little bit more I was able to get the FX-951 which is going to last me until I die probably, and I'm also going for something a better if I can afford it, I'm a fool for working toolsBTW, there are also various Hakko clones (I guess its one of the reasons they've replaced the 936 even thought it was a great seller). There's Aoyue for example which is even sold on Amazon and eBay so they are quite easy to get a hold of. Replacement parts are interchangeable with the Hakko from what I hear. I haven't tried any of these myself so I can't comment about these. If it was me I would just go for the Hakko as I trust them better.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2010, 11:05:47 am
content: There's an existing thread here with that info, check there. It depends on how much you solder and if you do SMT. Units go from $5-1000, your pick.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2010, 12:17:08 pm
content: I don't know where you are, but if you are in a country that can order from Marlin Jones (MPJA.com) (May be my or Dave's distant uncle) Their temperature controlled irons (ZD-929C for 7-segment readout, can't find the bargraph model on their website) are a good value. They are a bit more expensive than the cheao-o models, but they hold up well. (oops, they are out of stock at the moment.) MCM sells the same one (digital readout or bargraph) with their "Tenma" brand on it for a few dollars more. I have one of these at work.MPJA.com has el-chepo hot air stations also.MCM has a range of soldering equipment.I personally use some govt. surplus stations - a temp controlled Weller, and an old Ungar station that I have a few spares for.As previous posters say, it depends on your preference as well as how much you use one. I could never justify an expensive unit, although I'd love to have one.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2010, 01:00:16 pm
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=647.msg11352#new

author: tapeworm
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 23, 2010, 06:07:46 am
content: Thanks guys!

author: tapeworm
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 23, 2010, 06:39:28 am
content: I was looking at some today at the local electronics store warehouse....and came across a Weller ECM2002M, was this unit replaced with the WESD51? I know the wesd51 has both F/C readings and also a temp lock out feature, but they are basically the same unit not?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2010, 07:23:54 am
content: Hakko 936 is pretty much an industry standard iron. Under $100.Dave.

author: kek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2010, 09:11:43 am
content: ...

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2010, 02:49:55 pm
content: those irons look like they are going 1000 miles per hour!

author: slburris
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2010, 04:00:12 pm
content: So now I've seen Agilent meters and soldering stations with stickon decals! Is this a new trend? Are the newest oscilloscopes goingto come with flames too?I'm not sure I like the trend -- the Agilent meters in particular lookhorrible. Maybe some newly minted marketing person got hired atAgilent.Scott

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2010, 04:58:06 pm
content: Yes, interesting. Given these, its very suggestive that the hobby market is a significant part of their sales.Quote from: slburris on July 23, 2010, 04:00:12 pm.

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2010, 12:11:09 am
content: Quote from: saturation on July 23, 2010, 04:58:06 pmI believe those "1000mph" irons are targeted for the electric RC car racing folks. Having dabbled in that hobby myself once, I can say that some of those guys are pretty serious about their gear.In any case, my Hakko 936 is basic black, sits still, and I'm quite pleased with it.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2010, 01:46:48 am
content: just for the record, I was being facetious.

author: squeezee
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2010, 05:35:11 am
content: If you live in the US/Canada the Aoyue ones are inexpensive and decent enough quality, most of the models are hakkoripoffstyle stations (compatible with hakko tips as well).I bought the Aoyue 2900 a while back, which is some 937 styled base unit with an FX type integral heater/sensor/tip cartridge and i've had no major issues; Although the handle could be better insulated.Here's some quick internal shots from my unit:Nothing too surprising, everything is through-hole and the boards are covered with flux.Their 937+ model should be similar just with a smaller transformer.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2010, 07:51:27 am
content: Quote from: ModemHead on July 24, 2010, 12:11:09 am..and easily impressed by dumb gimmicks like silly graphics....

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2010, 11:00:44 am
content: Hakko recently discontinued the 936 line and the replacement is not backward compatible.So if you're interested in it, now's a time to grab the overstock.Dave's and other's recommendation for the Hakko is well supported. After checking around, it indeed is a best bang for buck iron out there. Very few to none negative comments about heat stability and tip longevity. Its been used in factory floors and is a testament to its durability and capability.http://www.hakko.com/english/discontinue/index.htmlA most extensive comparison of soldering irons by a true fan of the iron:http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/416001/reviews-some-people-collect-amps-i-collect-soldering-stations/15#post_5561642Quote from: EEVblog on July 23, 2010, 07:23:54 amQuote from: toli on July 22, 2010, 06:17:05 am

author: squeezee
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2010, 11:24:10 am
content: Quote from: saturation on July 26, 2010, 11:00:44 amWell for the rest of the world except north america that is, here the 936 is still the current model.