Good soldering iron for a beginner? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mandelbrot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 02:55:41 am
content: Hello all,I've completed my second year of EE and CompE and have been working on a bench power supply project. I've been thinking about getting my own soldering iron. I've been borrowing my dads, but I know I need to get my own eventually and I thought it would be cool to solder my power supply together with my own iron. I am thinking about spending about $100 and have been looking at the Hakko FX-888D for $91.34 shipped with a free $5 side cutters (I need my own pair of those too).I will probably do only through hole stuff for a while, but I would like to be able to try SMD stuff someday.I was also wondering whether I should get an extra tip as well. The one that comes with the Hakko is a 1.6mm chisel tip.Is this a decent iron, or are there any other suggestions at my price range?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:03:42 am
content: That is a good choice.My suggestion is get the knife style tip, very handy for thru hole and also smds, posted the details on this particular tip at other thread ->HERE.Also buy only a genuine tip, not cheap clone or knock off, some details ->HERE

author: lgbeno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:14:51 am
content: Never tried a knife tip but always had good luck with chisel. That should work great for what you are trying to do.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:24:35 am
content: Quote from: lgbeno on June 27, 2013, 03:14:51 amI used to use chisel tips all the time in the past, heck, I used to love this chisel style so much that I bought all sizes starting from the smallest to largest one, but one day a friend of mine showed me the versatility of this knife tip and instantly I'm a convert, and those chisel tip collections are now gathering dust.Not sure for other brand, but for Hakko soldering iron, this particular knife tip has the best thermal conductivity among other tip styles, details ->HERE

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:36:10 am
content: Quote from: Mandelbrot on June 27, 2013, 02:55:41 amIf you can find one still available, also consider the previous FX-888 version with the knob. IMHO it is a nicer iron, simpler and more convenient to use on the home workbench than a fiddly push button thing

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:38:14 am
content: +1 on the Hakko FX-888 (analog or digital; your preference as you should still be able to locate an analog unit) if your budget is limited to $100 in the US (best value out there in this price bracket for US buyers).And as mentioned, get good quality tips and supplies (much better results and less frustration).

author: adnewhouse
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:41:44 am
content: I agree with the Fx-888d soldering iron choice. The only real other option is the Weller Wes51 which I've heard has some problems with the knob on the front panel (Reports of the front LED and knob pushing inside the case and broken wires in the cord). I've been very happy with the analog fx-888 and I think it'll last a few more decades.

author: Mandelbrot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:46:54 am
content: Thanks for the tips! (no pun intended)I think I'll get it then! I couldn't find the analog version for a decent price, but I have a feeling someone is selling it for about the same price as the digital one. If I can find it, I'll get the analog one. I like knobs!

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 03:54:26 am
content: After some fits and starts (where the problem ended up being more me than the soldering iron or tips), the GQ 5200 w/ hot air gun actually isn't all that bad. The full pack comes with ten tips for a little over $100.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:09:04 am
content: analog version:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-FX-888-23BY-Soldering-Station-/271202596168?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f24ef3548Bit more at this point (getting rare I guess), but if you'd prefer a knob, then it's not too bad (~$15 on top of your budget + tips).

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:11:08 am
content: Better yet -http://www.all-spec.com/products/FX-888.html

author: Mandelbrot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 05:06:47 am
content: Thanks.I found the analog one for $85 shipped here:https://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Hakko/FX888I may also get a couple tips as well then. I'll pick up a pair of side cutters for $4 too.

author: Totalsolutions
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 07:36:18 am
content: Hi, Always had an Antec soldering iron. For a beginner or experienced user these are the brand in the UK. Do we really need soldering stations ?. Soldering stations are too large and cumbersome and not easily moved from location to location where the job might be. I also remember the handle gets too hot and then you keep fiddling with the temp. control. So thumbs down on that idea. Mostly use the Antec 18 Watt type and use 12 Watt with 0.5mm tip for small work. Just brought the adjustable 50 Watt as a suggestion for more power as I read in some tutorials and forums. A good iron for no money, £20 is all you need. Buy the iron stand and some 18 swg 60/40 solder (leaded if available).Oh forgot to say cheap tools are a no no. Good quality and branded will last a lifetime. A nice side cut for small work cost >£30 the brand is CK(My first post here)Read : ANTEX not antec, sorry

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 07:41:35 am
content: Quote from: Totalsolutions on June 27, 2013, 07:36:18 amWhat a post, especially your 1st one.

author: adnewhouse
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 12:24:22 pm
content: QuoteThe handle on my fx-888 has never gotten hot. I don't know what you're doing with your soldering irons but temp control is a MUST for anything other than general through-hole soldering. An antex iron with all the extras that you get with the Fx-888 will cost the same.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:10:03 pm
content: Def go with the Hakko. IMO its the best entry level soldering station out there. For the price it just cant be beat and Hakko's products are tried and true.

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:31:38 pm
content: FWIW, I would take the FX-888 over the FX-888D any day of the week, and I would even pay a touch more for the 888 if I had to.

author: millerb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:34:28 pm
content: I got an X-Tronic 4040 rework station for around 130 USD. I've been using it daily for ~6 months and it's been sold. The soldering iron is great and comes with a bunch of tips. The unit comes with a hot air tool which is ridiculously useful.I'd eyeball some units with the hot air tool before pulling the trigger on a soldering iron purchase.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:35:27 pm
content: Quote from: John Coloccia on June 27, 2013, 04:31:38 pmThe analog version over the digital? Why is that?

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:56:03 pm
content: Quote from: ben_r_ on June 27, 2013, 04:35:27 pmJust take a read through the manual for the digital. There are a bazillion different functions, and only two buttons..."Up" and "Enter". It's also ridiculously easy to botch up your calibration and no way to get back to factory default. You would need to get a tip thermometer to fix it. There's a thread kicking around here concerning just this very thing. I've been very sour on the 888D ever since it came out for just that reason. The 888 is kind of a ridiculous design too....doesn't stack anymore, and that's stupid. I have my Hakko Strippers stacked on top of my my old Hakko FP-101 and it's so convenient. Why would they screw that up? Anyhow, at least the 888 has a simple knob. The 888D interface makes programming a VCR seem fun and intuitive.That's just my opinion. Performance wise, the 888D is a fine iron.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 04:59:05 pm
content: Quote from: ben_r_ on June 27, 2013, 04:35:27 pmI find the analog version to be simpler and more convenient to operate, faster and less fiddly. The analog version is also more reliable with less to go wrong. At least one person reported breaking their FX-888D on the first day of ownership by pressing some wrong buttons.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2013, 05:09:21 pm
content: Understood on both counts guys. Good to know. Personally I still use and love my Hakko 936 most of the time even though I have a Metcal sitting right next to it and will probably soon have a JBC as well (we'll see if the JBC converts me). But that being said when I make a recommendation to anyone Ill be sure to suggest the analog a bit stronger.

author: Mandelbrot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2013, 12:35:01 am
content: Okay, I'm pretty sold on the FX-888 now, especially because I found it for a good price. I have no idea what kind of additional tips to get besides the 1.6mm chisel that it comes with. I am looking at a knife tip (more expensive) and a 1.2mm chisel (not sure if it would make that much difference from the 1.6mm). Any suggestions here? You guys have been a lot of help!

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2013, 01:33:23 am
content: The tip the FX-888 comes with is pretty small. My most used tip after that one is a verybigchisel tip, useful for large jobs requiring lots of heat (think large copper ground planes, thick wires, fat terminals, stuff like that). Also for desoldering with solder braid.

author: Kostas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2013, 07:29:12 am
content: The T-3C and T-3CF tips are also useful, far better than the standard conical tip.

author: DigiGal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2013, 06:01:38 pm
content: Quote from: John Coloccia on June 27, 2013, 04:56:03 pmI was sent an 888D when they came out even though I had ordered the analog version. Had always liked the old school analog solder stations and didn't think I'd like the 888D at all but have had no issues with it. Generally I run it in preset mode this will give you quick access to 5 different temp settings of your choosing.I did read where one person messed up their calibration, were there others? Seems like you should be able to recalibrate with a thermocouple and DMM that does temperature without having to purchase a FG-100 from Hakko. I used my DMM with a thermocouple to check temp setting calibration and found it was fine.There were plenty of counterfeit copies of the 888, don't know if they've also counterfeited the 888D but either way buy from a reputable dealer and only use real Hakko tips. If you stay away from the HANKO's you will be better off.The bottom is flat so you can still stack the 888/888D design but it just has to be on the top of the stack ; )

author: KWuensch
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 28, 2013, 08:41:16 pm
content: The Hakko FX-888D is a great soldering iron. It is the digital replacement for the FX-888, that Hakko discontinued making. I have one and it works great. It has great heat up and tips are easy to come by. I was trying to find where I got mine and stumbled upon this one:http://www.gotopac.com/Hakko_FX_888_Soldering_Station_s/3893.htmIts on sale and has free shipping to the US if that is where you are.A chisel tip is a good start, however, I would also recommend getting different tips like a chisel tip. I have found some for the Hakko FX-888D here:http://www.gotopac.com/Hakko_900_Series_Tips_s/3184.htm

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2013, 11:27:05 am
content: Quote from: DigiGal on June 28, 2013, 06:01:38 pmI know of at least one more case, but that's just the people that go online and talk about it. I'm guessing that 99% of us are savvy and resourceful enough to simply calibrate it and move on. I'm thinking of the scores of hobbyists that will buy these things for stuff like guitar wiring. Most know next to nothing about electronics, and some actually know nothing. To them, a solder station is nothing but a soldering iron with a cool holder. They'll screw themselves up and won't even know it, or they'll rant and rave about how their new Hakko POS works backwards....they have to enter 400 degrees to get it hot, and when they try to enter 800 degrees is gets cold.