Beginner Tools Help - Australia - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: jakeyflower
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 10:49:59 am
content: hey guys i live in Australia, so Australian online stores preferred.I need opinions on what soldering iron to get, I'm looking for a really slim pencil typesomething slim like that one.what i plan to use it for is just soldering electronic kits together that i order, thanks guys any help is appreciated!the one in the image is from Weller Solder Station with WXP120 Soldering IronPart# WX1010, which i believe is USA only @110v but it also costs over $500 which i think is to much for a beginner and my needs.

author: sub
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 10:59:11 am
content: Hakko have this one for $100ish:http://au.element14.com/hakko/fx600/soldering-iron-adjustable-temp/dp/2114649Though you'd be better off paying the extra $80 and getting an FX-888 to be honest. The price difference will be less once you have a stand and such, and being the popular one it will probably have a lot more resale value if you choose not to stick with it.I've never seen that iron in the wild, however---I jumped straight from a $15 piece of overheated steel to the FX-888.

author: jakeyflower
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 11:13:02 am
content: thanks, i'll take a lookEDIT: i can't find Australian Online Stores selling Hakko Soldering Stations, only USA and there 110v power

author: sub
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 11:40:11 am
content: Quote from: jakeyflower on October 12, 2013, 11:13:02 amFarnell, the one with the knob for $172 ex-GST,http://au.element14.com/hakko/fx-888/soldering-station-fx-888/dp/171902101Mektronics, The digital one for $160 ex-GST,http://www.mektronics.com.au/soldering-desoldering/hakko-stations-irons/hakko-fx888d-digital-soldering-station.html#.Ulkzi1CnoUsI would recommend the first one, digital control is awful unless you're in production and just want to switch between presets. Farnell's free-shipping threshold is $45 or similar.

author: jakeyflower
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 11:44:31 am
content: thanks so much man!

author: sub
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 12:51:26 pm
content: No worries. Farnell is probably your best choice for components in Australia, so they're worth remembering.

author: jakeyflower
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 12:56:28 pm
content: farnell is element 14 correct? they ship from australia to yeah,EDIT:had a look at element14, they only have 2 soldering irons with an AU plug rest are US and UK, not that big of a selection

author: andtfoot
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 02:58:44 pm
content: Quote from: jakeyflower on October 12, 2013, 12:56:28 pmThat's right, Farnell = Element14. I'm not sure where they ship from though.Another source of the Hakko irons I know of areWes Componentsand/or their retail armWagner.There is Wagner store in Sydney (Ashfield).I'm not sure what price they are selling them for.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 03:59:01 pm
content: If the input-voltage range matches up, just cut the cord and attach an Australian plug.

author: jakeyflower
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 09:07:49 pm
content: thanks for all the help guys, y'all are awesome

author: geraldjhg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 05:45:10 pm
content: hibuy something like thisWeller TC201T REPLACEMENT SOLDERING PENCIL FOR WTCPT SOLDERING STATIONget a 24 vac 60w to power it and you have a relly good no electronics soldering penid also order some pta6 or pta7 tipsthis method of controlling the temp is excellentsaludos