Cheap soldering stations for beginners - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 08:08:47 pm
content: http://www.circuitspecialists.com/solder-stations

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 08:30:26 pm
content: and ?

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 08:45:58 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on November 27, 2011, 08:30:26 pm... wild ASBO appears!I found this on Reddit and thought the prices were decent for a low end soldering station with temperature control. Sorry I didn't include a 21-page explanation post with my link.

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 09:09:19 pm
content: Well, I appreciate the link. Thanks Wartex. I've been looking to get another soldering iron. I might get one if their shipping to down under isn't too silly...Edit: meh, they don't ship outside of USA by the looks. Oh well.

author: Wartex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 02:13:04 am
content: Quote from: samgab on November 27, 2011, 09:09:19 pmi can reship it for you

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 02:51:03 am
content: Cheap Australian-market soldering station:http://dicksmith.com.au/product/T1976/adjustable-temperature-soldering-stationLooks like DS is finally running them out...

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 05:57:28 pm
content: Xytronic would be a brand I'd try in the 'cheap' range. It has a better reputation that no-names and its lowest end station has good specs, retail price ~$50, hopefully cheaper where you buy it at.http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&pa=2114685&productId=2114685&CID=GMChttp://www.xytronic-usa.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=17However, at $50 I'd save a few months more to spring for either a Hakko FX888 or a Weller WES51.Below the $50 price, make sure the stations are still temperature feedback controlled, not just 'adjustable' which should be avoided.

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 06:35:12 pm
content: Quote from: Wartex on November 28, 2011, 02:13:04 amThat's very kind, thank you... But I'll just spend a few bucks more and get an FX-888 after all. I'm such a fanboy. Not really, but it's been shown to be a good, functional soldering station, and I've been planning on getting one... I've been making do with a soldering iron (non station kind) and I think it's time to upgrade. I have a source at RS Components who usually does me a good price (By NZ price standards), so I'll get him to quote me up.

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2011, 08:44:48 pm
content: Do a comparison between the cost of buying the 230V model (*EXPENSIVE*) and buying the 110V model (less than half the price) plus a cheap external 230->110 transformer from Trademe.I went with the 110V model (direct-import from the USA) and transformer -- saved me a very useful amount of money!

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2011, 08:51:45 pm
content: What do you mean by transformer?I have got one which converts 230v into 12v AND a travel plug type.Which one are we talking about here?

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2011, 03:20:32 pm
content: 1: I think he means a 110-240V converting transformer.2: I just bought a 240V Hakko FX-888 after all. Save mucking about with transformers etc.3: Wow, I am very impressed with this soldering station. It's much better put together than I expected, given the Tonka toy appearance.And soldering with it is great, it's been a long time since I last used a good solder station, having just had a cheap soldering iron for several years.The cable between the station and the iron is really nice, very soft bendy, I think silicone(?) cable.I got a reasonable price from a guy I deal with at RS components. Still expensive though. Wouldn't pay retail though! Ouch!

author: John Ho
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 03, 2011, 07:45:09 am
content: Do you where can I buy the solder equipment in Malaysia/Singapore?Thanks,John - A beginner fromhttp://www.basic-electronics-tutorials.com/