Inexpensive Soldering Stations

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I'm looking for some soldering station recommendations for soldering led's, pcb's and just plain general wiring and craft soldering. I don't really want to spend more than $100 US, but there are so many different choices I don't know where to place my faith, so I'm hoping someone here can offer up some good advice.

 

[wquiles]

I would say that a Weller is a good brand for a starting soldering station

This one would be good to start - you really don't need anything fancy:
http://www.action-electronics.com/wewlc100.htm

These are good threads to read:
http://http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=141539

and

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=213787


Will

 

[spencer]

Your second link is broken qwuiles. It should read http://candlepowerforums.com/...d.php?t=141539

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Thanks Will, that was one of the ones I was looking at. I read one of those threads too, but neither of the links work for the other one.

How would this hakko compare?

 

[wquiles]

Thanks Will, that was one of the ones I was looking at. I read one of those threads too, but neither of the links work for the other one.

How would this hakko compare?

The Weller is a good buy, but if you have the money, I would get that Hakko instead

Will

 

[bbgobie]

I finally caved in and bought a Hakko 936
OMIOGOD!IJ!EOJ!IO!!!

Great. soldering is a joy now instead of a pain.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I'll be getting the Hakko then, since it just sneaks into my budget. Can anyone recommend a reliable online retailer that sells it?

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Both of those links were wrong. Now that I'm awake enough to troubleshoot, here's the correct link:

I'd like to solder *videos added*

The thread was very helpful.

 

[keysandslots]

I have this Hakko, now discontinued:

http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=49&PID=2408&Page=1

You might be able to find it for a good price, it works great!.

Randy

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Ness Electronics in St. Paul carries Hakko. I'll probably pick it up there to support my "local" business
(unless I find a really good deal online)

 

[kuksul08]

I bought a weller wlc100 it works nicely

 

[RayO]

Check out this Hakko clone. It's a great station for the money! http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Check out this Hakko clone. It's a great station for the money! http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

I'm not a big fan of clones. You usually get what you pay for.

 

[datiLED]

Check out this Hakko clone. It's a great station for the money! http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

+1

I have had that station for nearly 4 years, and it is a great bargain. It is a solid performer, and I use it a lot. Plus, it accepts Hakko tips.

I'm not a big fan of clones. You usually get what you pay for.

This station is a bargain, and I have not been disappointed. I would not be surprised if it was made by Hakko. My next station purchase will be the digital version of the CSI station linked above. But, I don't feel the need to upgrade when the analog version is serving me so well.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I still think I'll go with the brand name. I've been burned (pun intended) by too many Clones/knock-offs/etc. that people have told me worked well for them. Maybe I'll pick one up later on as a loaner tool.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Ness Electronics in St. Paul carries Hakko. I'll probably pick it up there to support my "local" business
(unless I find a really good deal online)

Picked up the Hakko 936 and some extra tips at this place today. The people were surprisingly friendly for a St. Paul location, and helped me pick out just what I needed (not that that makes a difference in the quality of the product )

Now I just need to find a good place to put it.

Thanks everyone for your advice!
I'll post back once I get a chance to use it

 

[RayO]

Tekno Cowboy...Great choice! The Hakko 936 is a terrific station that will last you for a long long time.

datiLED....Your mod work looks great! That CSI station really is a great bargin. After purchasing my Hakko, I found the CSI model and have recommended that model to some friends. They have nothing but good things to say, and the tips are interchangeable with the Hakko.

 

[Erasmus]

Check out this Hakko clone. It's a great station for the money! http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

I have sth similar, mine is called Aoyue 937, a knock-off from the Hakko 937. At the time I bought it I never even heard of Hakko, so I didn't know it's a clone. But at 35 EUR it's a steal. It works great

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I repaired some wiring on my vehicle, and swapped out the LED in my D10 for a Cree Q3-5A today, and I'm loving my Hakko already
My previous soldering equipment doesn't even come close to it