first budget soldering station recommendations Q4 2022 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 06:24:52 pm
content: Hello, first post! I'm trying to find my first soldering station on a limited budget (approx $100 USD) to help get me started on (primarily) DIY electronics and EE study. I need the station to last at least several years of regular (not necessarily daily) use and work correctly out of the box (can't solder the innards to make it properly ESD safe/grounded). I also need it to have versatility, with a good range of fine/small tips to do primarily electronics work, but also the sustained horsepower to handle more heat intensive jobs when they arise.Based on what I've read thus far, the following stations seem to represent the best value and reliability for around $100: Weller 1010NA ($90 at this time), Hakko FX888D ($110) and the Aixun T3A ($95). The less expensive "portable" type irons such as the Pinecil V2 are appealing, but I'm unsure the build quality is there, nor whether it could handle more heat intensive jobs. I've come across several good reviews on the Aixun, and it doesn't seem to have ESD/Safety issues out of the box, (unlike the KSGERs). Also the fact that it supports several different handle types (936, T12, T245) suggests great versatility, but I'm uncertain about the build quality lasting many years. A few less expensive offerings are on the market now as well: Yihua 948DB+-II, KSGER STC V2.3 and SEQURE MSS12 Pro, however I can't find any reviews.I appreciate any advice as this is a very knowledge community, and I hope to start learning quickly![edit: got reassurances in the aixun t3a thread that it is safe out of the box][edit 2: learned about a few newer T12 stations that are supposedly safe and properly grounded]

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 06:37:48 pm
content: Mine's a Hakko FX888D, it solders really nicely and has all the accessories but the user interface is awful. Mostly it just gets set to 350 degrees and left there because anything more than that is too much hassle.(It's digital, what would it cost them to add one or two more buttons?)I suspect the Weller is the same.I don't know much about about the aixun but there's a thread here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/any-opinions-on-the-aixun-t3a/

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 06:53:55 pm
content: PS: 2002? Have you got a time machine?

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 07:15:29 pm
content: Out of those 3, I'd go with the Hakko FX888It uses slightly different tips than the old Hakko 936/ T12 tips but I think those old tips would also work. But the tips aren't that expensive :https://www.digikey.com/short/q89f99phI have seen several new soldering stations reviewed, some made by companies, some made sort of DYI or small projects.... but didn't keep track. I have a genuine Hakko 936 and an old Pace HW-50 but I use pretty much only the Hakko.SDG Electronics has reviewed a bunch of them if you're interested to do some research, here's a playlist :https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZzwMlLVLdOBBz8pwjt9CJhEJFYVfHSH2Also, as a tip, Farnell / Newark (different domains in different regions) sell some Atten soldering stations under their Tenma brand, so you get warranty and you get tips and all that by going through them.If you want a Hakko 936 clone, they have a couple rebranded models.For example, at $78 the Tenma 21-19750 :https://www.newark.com/tenma/21-19750/temperature-controlled-soldering/dp/59Y8179.. the classic Hakko 936 with just potentiometer ... most likely a rebranded Yihua-936B but with other solder iron holder :http://yihua-soldering.com/product-5-4-constant-temperature-soldering-station.html/147699/The Newark listing says 70w, the Yihua page says 60w ... I don't now, you may get something above 50w when it comes to transformer inside.The single negative review is someone complaining about tips, but they're the super common T12 / Hakko 936 tipsThen you have at $83 he Tenma 21-10115:https://www.newark.com/tenma/21-10115/soldering-station-esd-safe-60w/dp/56T2208This is a rebranded Atten 938 which is 65 eur on their website :https://www.atten.eu/product/1127953/atten-at938d-60w-digital-lead-free-soldering-stationSame deal with this one, same mass produced tips, heater elements, 60w transformer... easy to source tips for them, even newark stocks them (they're under Tenma brand, but with Hakko part numbers, like 900M-T-1.6D for examplehttps://www.newark.com/tenma/900m-t-1-6d/tip-soldering-chisel-1-6mm/dp/56T2212?MER=sy-me-pd-mi-acce)

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 07:31:13 pm
content: topic changed to current timeline.

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 07:38:01 pm
content: thanks for the advice, I'm not too concerned about Hakko's cumbersome temperature controls, as I've read most people only have a handful of preset temps they use anyway. the fact weller doesn't have presets would seem to be a disadvantage in this case, even though one can more easily navigate the menu. i'll ask in that thread you linked if i can get opinions on the aixun's longevity.Quote from: Fungus on November 04, 2022, 06:37:48 pm

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 07:57:36 pm
content: thanks for the info. do you recommend digikey in general for hakko supplies? id prefer amazon or other retailer with free shipping if at all possible, but i understand there are many counterfeits floating around if you're not careful. SDG looks like a great review channel, appreciate the link.yihua sells directly through amazon which is very appealing to me, and the Yihua 939D+ III station seems to be well reviewed there at a good price ($80-90). my primary concern would be longevity and build quality, would you say their brand has a good reputation?https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Digital-Soldering-Station-Switch/dp/B09WQ6V6GFQuote from: mariush on November 04, 2022, 07:15:29 pm

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 08:25:01 pm
content: I know that the Hakko FX888D & Weller WE1010NA are frequently compared head to head, with most reviews saying the Hakko has a clear (if only minor) edge on heat stability and warmup time. However, I've also read that this might not be quite accurate, as the internal sensors may not be reporting the temperature at the tips. Emrtech reports in his own comparison (last post in the EEVblog #1063 Weller WE1010 vs Hakko FX888D Soldering Station thread)Quotehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1063-weller-we1010-vs-hakko-fx888d-soldering-station/msg2862200/#msg2862200

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 10:17:14 pm
content: We discuss many of them here already:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/As a hobbyist with that budget I wouldn't even consider the Hakko fx888 or Weller.T12 clone or better only (aixun, etc.).

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 10:22:17 pm
content: IMHO a good option is to buy a used quality soldering iron. I have no experience with Hakko but AFAIK this is the go-to brand for many US based people.I'd stay clear from Weller though. Their tips are utter crap; you need to replace them quickly so costs add up quickly.The joy of soldering comes from having a soldering iron with good tips that keep wetting properly. Having dead spots on a tip makes life a lot harder.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 10:34:49 pm
content: QuoteNo problem here or at work with them.Bought station and several tips in 2016 (work, MX2), 2020 (home, WE1010)."Secrets" for a long tip life are not to overheat them and no cleaning with water (swamp).

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 11:09:10 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 04, 2022, 10:22:17 pmIf you've got dead spots it's because you're not looking after them.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 11:14:10 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on November 04, 2022, 11:09:10 pmNo. It is because the tips simply suck if they develop dead spots. I have been using Ersa for 25 years and never had to replace a tip because it got worn / developed a dead spot. They keep picking up solder over the entire tip. Weller and JBC tips OTOH needed replacing often because they are FUBAR.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 12:00:57 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 04, 2022, 10:22:17 pmThe only used station that might make sense to buy, in NA, is a Metcal, as they used to regularly go for $100, but all I see right now isthis.Which is way above the OPs budget once you add in tips, handle, etc. There is one $100hakko, but it looks like it needs a clean up.You just get better value from a clone station these days.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 12:13:59 am
content: As long as these work with the original tips that would be a cheap option indeed. As you might have guessed, I put more value in the tips than in the handpiece. I doubt they can put chips in tips that only make them work in the original handpieces

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 12:53:43 am
content: If you're checking eBay for used stuff, it's worth looking at Pace soldering station as well. I gotlucky with my Pace HW-50 when I bought it, got it from a guy that retired and closed his small shop and got the station with a big box of unused logic chips and other crap.Pretty much have to filter out the ones without handpiece, because hand pieces alone are around $100 new.You can find lots of models that used that gimmick of setting the temperature by plugging a small thing into the unit - basically a stereo jack with a resistor - that resistor (different values) sets the temperature in 50F steps between 500F and 850FHere's an example - 35$ for a plug that sets temperature to 750F :https://www.newark.com/pace/1207-0362-06-p1/power-module-heat-level-7-5/dp/15J2924As an example, here's a Pace HW100 "industrial soldering station" with the TD-100 handpiece for $125 plus shipping :https://www.ebay.com/itm/125377505985To prove what I said, here's the Pace TW 100 (with temperature display and buttons to set temperature) for $56 :https://www.ebay.com/itm/195097960736It's this cheap because it doesn't have the hand piece ...This particular hand piece (TD-100) is $102 at Tequipment :https://www.tequipment.net/Pace/TD-100-6010-0147-P1/Soldering-Irons/or you can get it with the stand for $137 :https://www.tequipment.net/Pace/TD-100-6993-0263-P1/Soldering-Irons/The owner opened the unit and soldered a resistor to set temperature to 700F so he doesn't have to use plugs ... but you could easily desolder that and make a plug for the temperature you want, or add a potentiometer to a plug.The tips aren't that expensive, around $15 :newark link

author: noisyee
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 01:22:38 am
content: Another vote for Hakko FX888D. I owned one for 6 years, it still serves well.At this price point, Hakko has:1. 70W power suits for most soldering works2. good temperature stability3. pretty good thermal recovery4. compatible with 900M tips (and 3rd party 936 type) at the price of degeneration in performance, but they are very cheap5. good looking (or not, for some people)Not recommend a portable type if it's your only soldering station. They are for field repairing work of small SMD components.

author: Oilngas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 02:18:36 am
content: I've had my Hakko FX-888D for 9 years and have been very pleased with it. Kimco has free shipping on genuine Hakko tips.https://gokimco.com/collections/hakko-t18-soldering-tips/hakko-soldering-tips-ship-free?grid_list=grid-view

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 02:21:49 am
content: appreciate the additional feedback.the aixun reportedly has ESD issues out of the box, so unfortunately the only cartridge based station that i was seriously considering is out of the running. it's a shame that manufacturers of these lower cost T12/T245 kits can't get it right at the factory, as the value prospect is certainly high. as for used equipment, it's true that there are very good deals to be found, but i'd prefer to play it safe and start out with something new... that way i know a malfunction is either due to the factory or my user error.[edit: got reassurances in the t3a thread that it is ESD safe/grounded properly]

author: pqass
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 02:26:33 pm
content: Have you consideredmakingyour own station?I think it would be an excellent project for "DIY electronics and EE study".It doesn't have to be complicated and can mostly be built with modules if you're unsure of your design skills. It starts with buying the iron of your choice based on power, tip variety, expense, etc. Add to that an Arduino Nano, perfboard mounted opamp (for thermocouple/PTC amplification), MOSFET, pot or encoder, optional LCD, and power brick. It's doable with under 100 lines of code andyouget to dictate the UI.Skills you would acquire: mechanical design+build, soldering, simple opamp circuit design, programming (including PID [proportional integral derivative] control; see Arduino PID library).See:Arduino Nano-based:https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Digital-Soldering-Station/Minimalist ATTiny85-based:https://www.zl2pd.com/SolderingStation.htmlEight years ago a stumbled upon a DIY station project and saw how simple it could be. My local hobby shop carried the Weller PES51 replacement iron with cheap tips so I decided to design and build my own station. See here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/show-the-homemade-equipment-you-are-using-now/msg3606178/#msg3606178I'm a hobbyist so I don't use it all day long but I've had the same Weller ETA tip all this time. It takes about 24 seconds to heat up from cold and actual temperature displayed doesn't fluctuate much from the set value with use. I mostly keep it at <250°C.

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 10:15:49 pm
content: That looks like a cool project to attempt later, but currently I'm just looking to buy something already assembled out of the box. Once I get my "sea legs" sturdy enough I'll probably want to delve more into those DIY solutions.Quote from: pqass on November 05, 2022, 02:26:33 pm

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2022, 10:32:22 pm
content: I just came across a new KSGER station that supposedly is now being manufactured with proper grounding. The price looks very, very good for someone budget constrained, and would allow me to include a set of genuine Hakko T15 tips. I know the STC Controller (and not STM32) probably means there isn't custom firmware available, but as long as they've resolved the hardware problems that apparently plagued their earlier kits, I imagine it will suffice nicely. Hopefully some reviews and teardowns will arrive soon.https://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/STC-V2-3-Station/1100968111_40000002366814.html

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2022, 12:21:10 am
content: I bought a Maplin soldering station and it lasted a week before failing.They replaced it and that one didnt last much longer !Bought a low end Weller iron and that burnt through tips in 2 days ! far too hot.Bought a cheap Antex ER30 and had that for years with no problems, tips last for about a year.

author: donlisms
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2022, 12:22:16 am
content: I have a KSGER bought a few months back (HW 3.10, SW 3.1S), after relying on Weller my whole life.I haven't been "plagued" by anything except by some really annoying bits in the user interface -- specifically, you need to be really careful not to stray off the path when calibrating tips, because you can easily reset a perfectly good calibration by pushing the wrong button at the wrong time. A little brainpower is sufficient to work around this. (Something I hope for.)The T12 tips you can get in sets for extraordinarily low money from eSomewhere were wasted money. Horrible. Some of them were immediately broken. But mostly, the fact that they require unique calibration for each tip is an indication that they're sloppy from the start. Hakko doesn't find it necessary to have separate calibration per tip, because they all work right. I bought T15 tips directly from Hakko online; they were the same prices as everyone else, shipping costs were reasonable, they showed up in two or three days, and I am confident they are not counterfeit (unlike some of those I might buy from eSomewhere). You can calibrate them all individually if you need a new hobby, but you can share calibration between tips if you like, and you should be in pretty good shape.By the way, for calibrating, I bought one of those cheap imitation Hakko (blue and yellow) soldering iron tip calibrators from eSomewhere. I was very frustrated with it, for two reasons: one is that they covered the display with frosted plastic (which was easily and crudely removed with a sharp knife), and the other was that the temperatures were all over the map. I searched for reasonable techniques for cleaning the tips and the sensor, and different approaches to blobbing solder in all the right places, and it was still frustrating, with temperatures all over the map. So along with my Hakko tips, I ordered some Hakko sensors. Beauty. Completely solved the problem; the cheap meter worked just fine with them. I don't know if the even-cheaper white ones work also; I would guess yes.The iron itself, the "handle", is quite mediocre and rather poorly made, but it works well enough. I had to go in and... I don't even remember what tweaking I did -- something related to how it held the tips in. I think I loosened it up somehow, using nothing more than common sense. I also trimmed off some sharp flash from the plastic molding that would cut into my hand. You don't get "elegant" for those prices! But if you try some times, you get what you need. If you're the kind of person who needs all the little perfections in order to get anything done, you're probably going to need more money. If the end goal is your goal, this one will be fine.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2022, 12:32:54 am
content: Quote from: nigelwright7557 on November 06, 2022, 12:21:10 amMan what are you doing, everyday soldering for business ?

author: dave j
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2022, 02:18:37 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on November 05, 2022, 12:13:59 amThat's only because Apple haven't made any soldering equipment.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2022, 02:56:18 pm
content: Quote from: eevnoob on November 05, 2022, 10:32:22 pmThe case grounding isn't the only issue. Other have expressed concern about the routing of the mains voltage traces being in close proximity to the heatsink. See this video at the 6:07 mark:KSGER T12 Mod To Improve Safety That You Can Do - It's Fun! -- John Salthttps://youtu.be/9BnxiF-gQwQ?t=6m7sI don't know if this has been addressed in the new revision.You can get these T12 stations which are powered by an external power supply and that would remove these concerns. And it would portable in the sense that you could power it with a battery pack, e.g. something like this one:https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802984858329.html

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2022, 09:42:57 pm
content: Quote from: ledtester on November 06, 2022, 02:56:18 pmthere were images of the KSGER v2.3 posted in another thread, but i have no idea what to look for regarding the voltage traceshttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/new-yihua-soldering-station-with-t12-tips!/msg4442299/#msg4442299Quote from: ledtester on November 06, 2022, 02:56:18 pmunfortunately i don't have an extra power supply to use, it would need to be integrated into the station.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2022, 08:55:57 am
content: Quote from: eevnoob on November 06, 2022, 09:42:57 pmThat aliexpress link will sell you one.Also, any laptop power supply will work. I've found cheap ones at various thrift stores (Goodwill/Salvation Army/...).

author: eevnoob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2022, 11:07:30 pm
content: recently discovered these stations that support T210/T245/T115 handles: the Aifen A2 and A3. the cost is in the $85 range, which appears to be an excellent value. this range of handles seems perfect for someone who wants to be able to do both macro and micro soldering in one station?A2https://www.sugoncn.com/AifenProducts/info.aspx?itemid=104https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804332568077.htmlA3https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804050181951.htmlhttps://www.sugoncn.com/AifenProducts/info.aspx?itemid=99It looks like A3 has "static seat" and "ground" connectors on the back, so it should be relatively safe?there's also this Yahua 982 station that supports T210 and T245 for under $80 which includes electrical certifications.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804662520342.htmlhttps://www.yihuatools.com/Product/yihua3_100000470585933.htmlAlthough the genuine JBC tips are certainly more expensive, I get the impression that they're a longer term investment, providing more performance and size options than the T12? One of these JBC clone stations should therefore be the greatest value?

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2022, 12:13:45 am
content: Quote from: Martin72 on November 06, 2022, 12:32:54 amYes everyday for my own business.Make hundreds of pcb's a year.