After a long time of searching, buy something expensive - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 11:31:33 am
content: Hello guys, after searching on the internet for a cheapo soldering station and after i watched almost every Dave's video especialy about soldering i understood that i should get a good brand soldering station instead of those cheap crap. So yeah.. i took the decision to spend around 100 euros for a nice station. I came across with few brands.Hakko (cheapest)Ersa (Wayyyy too expensive)Weller (They seem nice too!)Which one should i get? I like the Hakko FX-888D (since the 888 is discontinued) but i would love to hear your opinion too! Please i need also the store links. Not only the model.I prefer a european store since i live in GreeceThank you all

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 12:24:37 pm
content: You cannot get a Weller or an Ersa station for 100 Euros.Go for the Hakko.An european shop could be Batterfly in Italy.Search the forum. If I remember well, there is a discount coupon for EEVblog members. Look for posts of member gmit77 .Best regards

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 01:44:46 pm
content: Quote from: ciccio on April 02, 2015, 12:24:37 pmI talked with the guys from Butterfly and the station is cheaper from the Greek stores (120 euros) but shiping messes everything up

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 01:50:30 pm
content: For $100EU I think it will be hard to beat the Hakko.There are much better irons, but they are much more expensive.

author: Trey
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 01:58:01 pm
content: My 888 is solid. I haven't tried the Digital version - but suspect it is nice too. I'd go for the Hakko.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 02:14:55 pm
content: If you cannot afford the Hakko, consider a Chinese unit, but not an HAKKO clone (you cannot be sure of their quality, and the best brand are not so cheap).Look for something like thishttp://www.pollin.de/shop/dt/NTQ5OTUxOTk-/Werkstatt/Loettechnik/Loetgeraete/Loetstation_ZD_931.html.I have a similar one, with an OEM label, and it works really well for the price. A colleague used it for a small production batch (about 3000 joints) and he was satisfied.RS and other big ditributores sold it (with only a different connector an case colour) for about 100 Euros.Best regards

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 02:35:07 pm
content: Do not compromise on a soldering station. It is used so often and a good one can outlast your car and may be you. I'd think these days you can fit a budget of $200-300. Using a good iron gives me pleasure. Using a bad iron drove me nuts. I personally like Weller, i had one that only failed after 15 years of abuse. I now have a JBC that i like less because it is more delicate, though has better thermal properties.Anyway, two tools that i'd say should be uncompromised: a soldering station and a oscilloscope.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2015, 03:23:54 pm
content: Weller WES51 is for the America market.In Europe it was (if I remember well) WS 51, (very similar, but the stylus was different) and is out of production.The most similar Weller professional is WS 81, that sells for more than 200 Euros...http://www.amazon.it/UNITA-SALDANTE-ANALOGICA-80W-230V/dp/B0015G2FEC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427987875&sr=8-2&keywords=wellerBest regards

author: FlevasGR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2015, 03:08:45 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 02, 2015, 01:50:30 pmYep! Definitely going for the Hakko