Main > Reviews

Which Soldering Iron to Buy?

<< < (4/4)

lilshawn:

--- Quote from: rmikes213 on September 09, 2013, 07:34:36 am ---Placed my order for the Hakko FX888D last night. Super excited!

--- End quote ---

I have the older brother of the Hakko 888, (the 938) that I use at work. I've knocked it off the bench a few times and it still works.

no problem with bumping up the temp to heat up some extra big pads with huge thermal mass. heats up quick.

The 888 looks to be new a streamlined version of the 938, same iron different station. I love the 938 so I may have to pick one up to use at home.  :cheers:

SterlingRush:
I picked one of these up a month or two ago, and I've been very happy with it. It's 45w not 60w, but it performs very well. You can find this, spare tips, and a spare iron for around $100 give or take.

Tenma 21-159 temperature controlled station

HaRuMaN:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062728

'Tis what I use.  Have done hundreds of controller hacks and numerous other jobs with that tool.  I've had it for probably 8 years now.

Vigo:

--- Quote from: HaRuMaN on October 03, 2013, 02:22:14 pm ---http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062728

'Tis what I use.  Have done hundreds of controller hacks and numerous other jobs with that tool.  I've had it for probably 8 years now.

--- End quote ---

Thats what I am currently using. If Haruman can solder with it, I guess I can't blame the hardware for my sloppy soldering anymore.   :lol

mann0mann:
I own a hobbystore and solder battery packs, connectors, motors, wires, plugs all day long for Radio Controlled Cars/Trucks/Planes/Boats/Helis....

If you're going to do a lot and do anything with a heavy gauge wire, a good iron will make your life incredibly easier.  Just like everything, invest in a good tool and it will last forever and work great. 

All the recommendations for a Hakko are spot on.  We use one in the store and I personally own a FX-888 at home.  They are incredible, they heat up almost immediately, the cords are nearly tangle free.  Very nice.

However, given what we do here on BYOAC it's probably overkill for most things.  If you are on a budget, for about half the cost of a Hakko... I would easily recommend this Weller Unit. 

http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/solder-station-40w-120v-WELWLC100

It's adjustable up to 40 watts, which is plenty for anything Arcade related the adjustable "heat" is very helpful, the iron just plugs into the powersupply, so if an iron goes on you down the road it's easy to replace and the whole unit works well as a stand/etc.  I used one of these for years.  And Weller tips are really easy to find.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page