What soldering station should i get?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Fr34k
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 01:59:39 pm
content: Hi my name is ron and im 12 years old and recently started with electronics i have a very simple soldering iron with fixed temperture and i want to kind of "step up my game" what iron should i get? Please leave links if you can

author: hayatepilot
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 02:31:31 pm
content: Welcome to the forum!I recently bought a Bakon 950D as a backup station. It's very good for the price.Heats up very quickly and has a short handle-to-tip distance (very good for precise soldering of small components).The only downside is the stand which is garbage.Soldering Iron:https://www.banggood.com/BAKON-950D-75W-Mini-Portable-Digital-Soldering-Station-with-T13-Tip-p-982824.html?cur_warehouse=CNCompatible stand:https://www.banggood.com/Soldering-Iron-Stand-Welding-Holder-for-FX951-T12-Soldering-Station-Handle-p-1156336.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

author: Fr34k
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 04:26:39 pm
content: Thank you for replying, i think i will buy this one but im still open for any other suggestions

author: gearshredder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 05:11:13 pm
content: Buy yourself a Metcal.https://www.ebay.com/itm/Metcal-RFG-30-Soldering-Rework-Station-STSS-002-Completed-With-Extra-Tips-Used/232624465520?epid=1201734323&hash=item36297fa670:g:-5sAAOSwEW9aVB2Z

author: hayatepilot
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 06:10:47 pm
content: Of course if you can get a used high-end soldering station for cheap, then go for it!Depends on where you live. Many countries have practically zero used test and soldering gear.

author: Fr34k
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 06:21:10 pm
content: The thing is that here in israel more specifically netanya no one is doing the kind of electronic stuff, especially not with high end equipment, so this is not an option.But thank you for the suggestion

author: hayatepilot
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 06:38:09 pm
content: I would also get some chisel tips, maybe a 1.6mm (T12-D16) and 2.4mm(T12-D24).These conduct the heat much better to the joint.You can always get more tips as you need them. They're pretty cheap at 3-4$.

author: nes999
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 08:27:06 pm
content: Quote from: gearshredder on January 30, 2018, 05:11:13 pmHow does that metcal compare to a hakko 888. I need a decent soldering station and right around 100 to 150 is my current price range.Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

author: sreeb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 09:14:40 pm
content: Quote from: hayatepilot on January 30, 2018, 02:31:31 pmI think this is essentially the same as this from amazon:http://a.co/2Og3nZZ

author: hayatepilot
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2018, 11:25:56 pm
content: Yes that looks like the same stationThese are available in different brandings and prices.You can also get ones with those fancy oled screens and automatic standby function as a kit from aliexpress.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KSGER-V2-0-STM32-OLED-Soldering-Iron-T12-Soldering-Station-Temperature-Controller-DIY-Set-9501-Soldering/32837300273.html

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 12:29:03 am
content: How is the postal service in Israel and customs? I know some countries charge crazy import taxes for things like this. Are you able to order stuff from Ebay or Amazon and the likes? If so what kind of budget do you have?

author: jeffsf
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 02:12:52 am
content: Ron,A too-weak or too-hot iron will cause you all kinds of frustration. If you've got the budget for it, for under $100 US a Hakko FX-888 will last you for years, for everything from SMDs up to old-school chassis wiring.https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888d.htmlI'd second getting a moderate-sized chisel tip if you're only going for one. My second would be a fine chisel tip (under 1 mm) or for working with SMDs.Available through multiple outlets.

author: gearshredder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 02:57:39 am
content: Quote from: nes999 on January 30, 2018, 08:27:06 pmThe hakko seems to take 30 seconds to heat up vs 5 seconds. I was going to buy it but the technology of the metcal facinated me. The wand and wire is a super light silicone shielded wire because the supply is high frequency AC. The tip doesn't have to be large because the temperature "sensor" is the metal itself, and works off of the curie point. The moment there is any drop in temperature, power is put into the tip. There is no feeback, so no delay. It's a 40w supply but acts like a 75w. I can't imagine what the 80w mx500 feels like. I definitely want to get one.

author: Azhar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 03:57:14 am
content: The cheapest you can afford

author: Fr34k
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 05:44:45 am
content: Hi thank you for replying, i have a budget of up to about 70 dollars, if the soldering station would cost more than 75 dollars i would have to pay the cost of the same thing in israel so for example a 100 dollars soldering station would cost up to 200-300 dollars depending on the brand name and the weight.

author: jeffsf
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 10:04:14 pm
content: With a tight budget, there is a lot of discussion going on athttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/soldering-iron-recomendations/

author: soubitos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 12:02:47 am
content: Get a TS100 and keep the change!

author: gearshredder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 02:24:47 am
content: The Hakko FX-901 came up in my youtube feed while reading about the ts100. Also a battery powered iron.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2018, 03:18:55 am
content: Here in the US my Hakko 888D came with what I think is a 1.2 mm or possibly 1.6mm chisel tip. Its a small chisel tip. Its just right.Quote from: jeffsf on January 31, 2018, 02:12:52 am

author: ronin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2018, 07:41:13 pm
content: Hello,i have similar question, what do you thik about Atten St-60 / Sealey St-60 (as the same model diffrent brand)

author: hayatepilot
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 06:42:15 am
content: Those are clones of the Hakko 888D. At least they use the same tips and heating system.I don't know what the build quality is on these, but the performance (although solid) will not blow you away.Systems which have integrated heating elements in the tips are much better in terms of thermal mass and heating speed.Those are your JBC and Hakko T12/T15 stations. Chineser stations which use T12 tips can be bought for under 30$.