My soldering iron died. Time to get a station. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jckf
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 12, 2014, 11:50:19 pm
content: Hello again, guysThe tip on my Weller direct-to-mains soldering iron was damaged a few weeks ago and started becoming hollow, so today I grabbed it with a pair of pliers to unscrew it, but it sheered off insideI'm sitting here with half a tip, and an iron that cannot receive a new tip, wondering what to get as a replacement. We've all heard how little Dave likes the kind of iron that plugs directly to mains, so the idea is to find a decent station. This is where I get into a bit of trouble however. I have no experience with brands or models (so browsing eBay and Amazon has me completely lost), need one that is 220v, and to top it all off my budget is limitedThe thought was to spend about 90 Australian Dollars / 70 US Dollars, if that's at all feasible, and this is where you come in: Will it bl.. I mean, can it be done, and if so which station would you recommend?

author: ttt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 12:25:03 am
content: Aoyue 9378 is in that price range. Also search eBay for "AOYUE 937+", "898D+", "878AD", "852D+". All pretty generic Chinese stuff. They should all be available in 220V versions as I see them sold on european eBay sites (as always ask the seller). They are no Weller or Hakko but they get the job done. I believe all of these use Hakko compatible tips which are really cheap and easy to get on eBay, i.e. $5 with free shipping.Personally I have an Aoyue 968A+ (not in your price range) and I am pretty happy with it. That hot air is damn useful sometimes...

author: Jckf
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 12:32:34 am
content: I've found a new Xytronic LF-3000 at what the shop claims is half price. It's 75 US Dollars / 90 Australian Dollars, but again I have no idea if it's any good.EDIT: Never mind. This shop lists items without fees, so the actual price would be +25%

author: ttt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 12:45:29 am
content: That seems like a good deal for a decent brand.The one thing about the LF-3000 I would be hesitant about is the fact that the cradle/holder/foot is made from plastic. The Aoyue 9378 cradle is full metal and has a solder roll holder which can be handy.

author: loneoceans
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2014, 01:00:17 am
content: I second the Aoyue brands including the Aoyue 937+. I got an Aoyue myself, bought some Hakko tips on ebay (I don't know if they're real or not but they look like excellent quality and have lasted for a year and going strong), and have been using them over about a year now. I have gone through about two half spools of solder already (about 500g) in both through-hole and SMD work with completely no complaints at all.I can't comment on any difference in real life use vs a more expensive Hakko in my workplace lab. The holder is made of metal, the iron itself feels pretty good and the cable is reasonably supple. The only difference is that the Hakko has a foam grip thing around the iron and the Aoyue's plastic can feel a bit warm sometimes, but it really doesn't bother me at all. I think you will find a -huge- step up in soldering quality vs direct-to-mains ironsWhile you're at this do yourself a favour and pick up one of those cheap brass tip-cleaners:I'm not sure if you already have them but I really like them and prefer them over a wet sponge which tends to cool down the tips and can cause thermal fatique. Also pick up any Kester flux pen if you're doing any sort of SMD work.

author: Jckf
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 12:21:18 am
content: The Weller iron lives on!I got a new, cheap iron today, just because I needsomethingto solder with. Thinking I should wait and save up to buy a more expensive station. Shopping for the cheapest possible gear feels wrongEDIT: By the way, the new iron is SO much better than the Weller ever was. It has a chisel type tip, and tins so easily! It might be because I only ever had a round tip before.