Help me decide on soldering station

[tulanebme]

I know that this question has been asked here a few times in the past, but I'd like some up-to-date opinions. I'm setting my budget at around $75-100. My three choices seem to be the following:

- a Hakko 936-12 (about $90 including tax, etc.)
- Weller wes51 (about $100 right now, but more like $80 if I want wait until Weller offers another rebate)
- Weller wesd51 ($107 right now with rebate)

I have some limited experience with the Wellers from when I was in school and liked them. However, it seems that the current opinion is that Weller quality has gone downhill somewhat in recent years. From what I've gathered, the Hakko seems to be favored among most people that have bought stations recently.

I won't be using the station that much at all, just some occasional repairs and flashlight mods. I want something that will last me a long, long time.

Also, can anyone offer some advice on some basic tips I should start with? Thanks.

 

[TITAN1833]

Hi tulanebme have you looked on ebay.also have you considered a gas iron,the like of Antex and iroda do some very good gas irons.i have a iroda 120 solder pro which is gas and i'am happy with it.

 

[tulanebme]

Hi tulanebme have you looked on ebay.also have you considered a gas iron,the like of Antex and iroda do some very good gas irons.i have a iroda 120 solder pro which is gas and i'am happy with it.

I'm not familiar with Antex or iroda, I may have to check them out. I hadn't really considered butane that much because most of the work I do that would be more convenient with a cordless iron is large car audio type stuff that requires a big iron.

Are you talking about used or new irons on ebay? I've heard about people picking up used Metcal's at decent prices on ebay, but I honestly don't know enough about the service life and repair costs of soldering stations to know what's a good deal. As for new ones, I'd rather spend a little extra to get something from a reputable store or online dealer.

Thanks.

 

[TITAN1833]

well antex are reputable soldering irons IMO better than weller.also i meant ebay shops you may save some money.but my advice is,whichever you decide check out antex.good luck on your search.:thumbsup:

 

[Myself]

I picked up an EDSYN Loner station from EAE Sales (he comes to ham radio swaps in the midwest) last year and couldn't be happier. If you're not opposed to refurbished equipment, check the guy out and drop him a line with intended usage, and see what he recommends. I paid $60 for mine and got my choice of tips with it.

The other guy I know who does a lot of soldering has a Hakko and it's quite a nice unit, more modular, though I like the hand feel of the EDSYN better. I have no experience with Weller.

 

[TigerhawkT3]

You might want to check out this thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=141539.

 

[yellow]

Some years ago I finally purchased a soldering station (used normal but too strong irons be4).
Just last year I switched back.
For normal soldering I got a cheap 15 W, nice and small to take it along. Does not overheat because not powerful enough.
The ultimate chores (soldering batts together and such) with the 100 W.

Works way better than that big, heavy, space consuming and expensive station

 

[MorePower]

This one from Circuit Specialists is really pretty nice, especially considering the price. I bought one ~1 year ago, and haven't had any problems with it.

40W soldering station

They have a digital version for a bit more.

 

[datiLED]

This one from Circuit Specialists is really pretty nice, especially considering the price. I bought one ~1 year ago, and haven't had any problems with it.

40W soldering station

They have a digital version for a bit more.

+1

I have this station, too. I have had it for over two years, and it has now become my primary station. I bought it initially because it has the option of SMD tweezers. But I find that the extra fine tip is sufficient for the SMD work that I do.

 

[LuxLuthor]

I have fallen in love with my Hakko 936. It is just a great setup. I also like my 60W stick with the HammerHead tip for making battery packs.

 

[LightBen]

My vote is for the Hakko 936. The iron is very comfortable in my hand, and many different tips are available. I prefer it over any of the Wellers I've used. My only complaint with Hakko in general is that, while the 936 with the medium iron is about $90, a replacement (or second) iron alone costs about $80. The Circuit Specialists stations look appealing also, but I don't have any direct experience with those.

The cheap 15-watt pencil irons work pretty well for most tasks, but I find that they don't have enough heat capacity to solder plated-through holes or heavier component leads. In this case, a temperature-controlled soldering station is really a treat to use.

A portable butane iron is very handy if you have to solder anything outdoors (ham antennas, in my case). I have found that portable battery-powered irons are mostly useless, even for very light-duty chores. A butane iron is so much better.

-Ben

 

[Griz]

I bought a Hakko 936 a few months back and after using the first time, I tossed my 40w stick in the garbage.
I wish I had bought the Hakko 936 first. If you buy one, you won't regret it.

 

[keysandslots]

I use a Hakko FP-102, one of these:

http://www.all-spec.com/cgi-bin/fcc...Hakko+FP+102&gclid=CMmTy4P10Y0CFRrnPgodFBFpnQ

It's been great so far. Let us know what you end up with.

Randy

 

[kromeke]

I like the Hakko stations. But it is really a wash. Weller has a good reputation. The Hakko 936 can often be had on sale for around $80. A quick search on All-Spec's website showed that Weller tips are less expensive. But that was just a sampling from one vendor.

If you are just doing occasional soldering (or even a lot of it) I wouldn't get the digital display version, an analog knob control is fine.

I got a older Hakko for home use on ebay for $50. At work I've purchased the 936s. One nice thing about the 936 is that you can stack the power supplies (handy if you use more than one iron, not a factor if you just have one).

Tip advice: avoid conical tips. They don't have much contact area for heat transfer, the screwdriver style tips are much better for general use. Also, I'd stick with manufacturers tips, what ever brand you choose. I've used third party tips in my Hakko, and they worked ok, but would keep coming loose, the Hakko tips stay nice and tight.