Opinions on which soldering station. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Wrongway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 06:57:37 pm
content: I am looking into buying a new soldering station. I have a Duratool D00673 which I believe is a rebadged Zhongdi ZD 916. It works but I am not to happy with it after using Weller irons all my working life. For one thing the bits tend to oxidise badly and the iron get too hot to hold. After much searching on here I have managed to narrow things down a bit. What I would like is one of the latest Wellers, ideally something based on the WX1. But I don't think I could justify such a high price. Next down is a station based around the WD 1M rather than the WD 1 as I believe the WD 1M accepts a bigger range of iron plus a tweezers for SMD. Unfortunately I cant seem to get one at a decent price along with the iron. However I have found a very good source of a Weller WD1000T which uses the WD 1. Although it cant take the range the WD 1M can take being only the WP80 as far as I can tell can that iron use very small bits still/ As an alternative I have been offered a Hakko FX-951 which has had very little use for a very nice price also. So out of these two options I am not sure which way to jump. Any opinions would be much appreciated. Both irons seem to have good temperature control. They will both go to a standby mode in the stand as well which is two features I am looking for.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 08:33:57 pm
content: I own a Weller WD1, and as-is, works with the following:WMP (65W iron meant for SMT work)WP80 (80W iron, more of a general purpose; can still use it with larger SMT, and is better with ground planes and connectors <solder cups>)WT50 (50W tweezer)You can add in the USB board (have found them in Germany @ ~ $100USD last I checked), and it would also work with the following (others listed will still work as well):WRMP (40W for SMT work)WRMTBoth of these use AIO tips(tip, heating element, & sensor in one unit) vs. those for the standard WD1/2 (no M) that use an older technology (tip slides over the the element, which is fixed in the iron). The M versions also allow you to monitor and map out your temperatures (not necessary at all for DIY/bench use).They're not bad, but Weller has QC issues, including with the tips (you will see this at one point, even if the station and iron are fine), tips can be expensive (NT series for the WMP, or the AIO versions for the WRMP or WRMT if you go with an M version or upgrade later). Replacement irons are also expensive (i.e. typically $100 at a discount, and the iron has to be replaced if the element dies; can't just replace the element). Beyond that, the feature set is nice, and it's easy to use, and new, is cheaper than JBC. Recovery times aren't as quick (mass on the NT series is small, so this can be an issue if your soldering on/near a ground plane in my experience, thus the reason I picked up the WP80).All of this said, what is your budget and location?I ask, as there are others you might want to consider, such as Hakko's FX-951 (uses AIO tip technology, and can be had new for $250 in the US). No tweezers with this station, but a hot air station is more useful overall IMHO (does more than just solder/desolder SMT resistors and caps).You might even be able to find a gently used JBC at a good price (JBC is the best out there for an adjustable temp iron IMHO). Take a look at YT videos and see what I mean...Hope this helps.

author: Wrongway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 10:11:39 pm
content: Thanks nanofrog, that's been a very useful reply. I didn't know a usb board could be added which sounds like it effectively turns it into a WD1M. Though the QC issues are a bit worrying. I am in the UK and budget isn't too much of a problem though don't want to pay more than £300 if I can help it. The WD1 is actually part of a package WD1000T which I can get for £220. Though someone has offered me a Hakko FX-951 for £85 which doesn't sound bad if it quality is comparable to the Weller. Also tips and spares for Hakko is very sparse here in the UK. I can only find one place stocking them. I know very little about JBC irons. Any suggestions on models to look out for.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 10:33:41 pm
content: If you can find a JBC, get it. I'm not sure about the older ones, but the newer ones are pure bliss...based on what I have heard.Hakkos are also very nice. I just got one yesterday (FX-888). I believe Plato makes some good tips for Hakko irons. Mouser sells them. And they are cheaper than real Hakkos. But I think the quality is pretty much the same (Don't quote me on that though).I personally wouldn't even get a Weller. They've went down hill recently, though I can't speak for their high end stuff. Those might still be good.Would you be against something like an FX-888? Do you want something better?

author: Wrongway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 10:52:37 pm
content: I did consider a FX-888D. I don't want the analogue version. I know, a lot will cringe at that remark but I like digital. Also I thought the FX-951 had a bit more to offer at the price. I must admit I had lot so trouble with very early Weller TCP irons and tips many years ago. But they did get abused. I am getting more curious about JBC though. Not heard of them in the UK before.

author: kg4arn
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 11:20:15 pm
content: Just got a JBC a few weeks ago. Costs 4x as much as my Weller WESD51 andworth every penny of it.

author: Wrongway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2012, 11:24:30 pm
content: Which one did you get

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 12:16:25 am
content: Quote from: Wrongway on December 27, 2012, 10:11:39 pmYes, adding the USB board, will convert a standard WD1/2 into a WD1/2M model (firmware update via USB is supposed to pull in the data for the WRMP and WRMT hand pieces from what I understand). At which point, the only differences is cosmetic (color of the buttons are silver on the M versions from the factory). Big whoop.The QC on Hakko I've had access to is better than Weller, and from what I read on the FX-888 here, is still there (and the FX-888 is made in Malaysia, while the FX-951 is made in Japan).To give you an idea with Weller, I've seen a post somewhere (amazon IIRC) that the heating element came loose in the handle (WMP = German made), and the only solution is to buy a new iron @ $100USD on a discount (MSRP is $125USD here). Pricey IMHO, given an entire FX-888 can be had for a bit under the discounted rate. Granted, this particular Hakko is made in Malaysia, but to me, that's excessive. Janelonline sells JBC replacement irons for under $60USD (210 or 245). Even with a new chisel tip, it's around the $100UD mark.As per used JBC stations, take a look at their Discontinued Products page (http://www.jbctools.com/discontinued.php).Pay attention to the specs (you can access the manuals on the linked page), as some of the older models top out at 400C, and the newer, but still discontinued models at 450C. If you're working solely with leaded solder, it won't matter (400C will definitely suffice). But if you want/need to use lead-free alloys, that extra 50C would be worth having IMHO to be sure you won't run into problems.I just missed out on a DI3000 on eBay (dual port, 450C unit + 245 handpiece).I'm to the point I'm seriously looking for a JBC myself (repair/replacement costs on the Weller are making me nervous, and there have been instances it can't keep up as well <either have to switch irons, or wait for the tip to heat on a few things here and there>). Keep in mind though, I'm impatient with an iron (run into thermal damage to PCB's in the past).Quote from: Wrongway on December 27, 2012, 10:52:37 pmTook a look at the manual for the FX-888D, and the control implementation seems a tad annoying IMHO. Not bad for the money, but if the funds are available, the FX-951 I think would be a better choice due to the AIO tip technology alone.That said, Janelonline.com sells in the UK as well (just change the currency). Prices are good too from what I've seen. Not sure on shipping, but I'm under the impression it's not that bad (IIRC, there's another member somewhere in EU that ordered from them and has been a very happy camper).Take a look at this:http://www.janelonline.com/jbc-tools-soldering-station-compact-europe-p/jbc-tools-cd-2bb.htmI'll assume it doesn't include VAT, but I think this will make your budget (may need to add a few GBP to it for shipping). They also have the version with the T210 handpiece as well, if you want the smaller one. But you can buy the T210 and cartridges later if you need/want to (same stand works with both for the built-in and separate stands). Separate units are a bit more (separate stand from the station versions, listed @ ~330GBP).Hope this helps, and good luck.

author: kg4arn
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 12:27:41 am
content: Quote from: Wrongway on December 27, 2012, 11:24:30 pmCD-1BBBought it from JANEL here in the US.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 12:45:24 am
content: Also just ordered 3X JBC CD-2BB @ $440.00 OZ. A freakin bargain all-in-onewww.jbctools.com/cd-2bb-soldering-product-44.html

author: Wrongway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 01:35:24 am
content: It looks like I am going to end up with an FX-951 thats been offered in as new condition for £85 (about 137 USD) which is a very good price for over here in the UK. I nearly went for the Weller, but it's a lot more money and I am concerned about the ongoing cost afterwards. I did a good search for what JBC stuff is available, preferably on eBay and couldn't come up with much at all. If all else fails, I want have laid out too much money if I am not happy.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 02:55:55 am
content: Quote from: Wrongway on December 28, 2012, 01:35:24 amCan you try out the Hakko before purchase (i.e. local person)?Sounds like a good deal if it's all there (station, stand, iron, and ideally, a selection of tips that aren't trashed), but even a new JBC Compact station (230V version) seems within reach. Even though it's at the limit of your budget, it would be a better station IMHO, and Hakko isn't junk. I say this, as those that have tried them don't seem to want to go back to anything else.BTW, take a look at JBC's recovery timing data (they compare it to Hakko and Weller). Might help explain what we're on about.http://www.oemelectronics.pl/upl/doc/performance_comparison_0909_1_.pdf

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 06:12:03 am
content: Quote from: digsys on December 28, 2012, 12:45:24 amThat's the one I've got. It is quite impressive and well worth the money I think if you are looking at that price segment.Dave.

author: Wrongway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 12:03:51 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 28, 2012, 02:55:55 amIt's an eBay purchase thats quite a distance away unfortunately. But in the picture it looks immaculate with the following descriptionHakko FX-951 220 Volt input (24 volt soldering iron output) digital soldering station set, supplied with control unit, 75 W cartridge type soldering pencil, one T12 tip cartridge, alloy iron stand and sponge, temperature locking card and heat proof pad. Comes in original packaging.This station has been used very lightly and is in excellent condition.I have not paid out much if things don't go to plan. I wish I had known and researched into JBC irons more though as that CD-2BB does look very inviting. The main place that sells them in the UK seems to be Kaisertech and the CD-2BB would be £330 which is around 530 USD . Not out of reach if the Hakko doesn't work out.

author: twbranch
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 05:10:57 pm
content: check out circuit specialists. They have a cool selection that should be checked out. I am not affiliated just a happy customer. I am a professional who has used many different high end stations and I bought their dual solder/desolder station and I love it.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2012, 07:01:28 pm
content: Quote from: Wrongway on December 28, 2012, 12:03:51 pm

author: Wrongway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 02:56:01 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 28, 2012, 07:01:28 pm

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 07:05:55 pm
content: Quote from: Wrongway on January 04, 2013, 02:56:01 pmA lot of of the stations I've seen with a stop-n-go feature connect the power unit to the stand, and the stand connects to the iron in order to place a switch of some sort into the circuit.Another way is a magnet in the stand to open a reed switch in the iron, but this implementation doesn't seem to be as common on the name brands I've had access to or could figure out from manuals and pics (the WD1/2M & WX series <WXMP at least> are the only units that come to mind). The standard WD1 has an optional stand stop-n-go stand for the WP80 only, and all it does is add a switch and wire to connect it to the station. If you look at the WRMP or WXMP, you'll see the magnet contacts the handle much farther back than where it's held in place by the stand alone (magnet is closer to the wire out the end).If you notice on JBC, the iron has a metal ring, and the stand has a bare metal insertion area. When they make electrical contact, it stops heating the tip. Manuals indicate both surfaces must be cleaned periodically to make sure there's proper contact. Very clean solution IMHO, as there's no magnet sticking out of the stand.I don't have this feature on mine either, as it would only work for one iron (stand doesn't fit the WMP). Seemed pointless to me that it would only work on the iron I use the least to justify the increased cost. Nice feature to have though (helps extend tip life).

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 04:01:44 pm
content: Quote from: twbranch on December 28, 2012, 05:10:57 pmCan only agree upon what twbranch say, happy with my station from Circuit Specialists, very nice gear and nice people to do business with. i`m a professional user and have several different stations, but the BK 6000 BlackJack SolderWerks deluxe is the king of them all.Its simply a very good product they got there.