Inexpensive Soldering Station

[Mayank]

Last evening my faithful SP-23 Weller soldering iron died after 10+ years of service. I'm looking to buy an inexpensive (my first) soldering station.

Does anyone has this little guy on their workbench?

Yihua 939D+ Digital Soldering Station.

It is supposed to be equivalent to 75W with temperature control 392°F to 896°F. Looks well built. $43 shipped on Amazon.

Would appreciate your feedback.

Thank
Mayank

 

[GytisB]

I can recommend the «KSGER T12» for 50$ (on aliexpress, maybe amazon too?) which should be the copy/based on the original T12 type stations. Fast heating 6-7 seconds. I myself was in the same situation a few months ago. My cheap soldering station from 2010 broke, so I bought the T12. Didn’t go for the KSGER one, but got the cheapest T12 available for 30$. To be honest, it’s worth all the money. Does it’s job just fine and I’m crazy happy that I bought it. You can swap the tips (theres a lot of them), and adjust settings as auto-off, temperature steps, etc. Much info on the internet, so just google it up. I’m not a professional user though, and only use it for my hobby. KSGER is a bit tougher/has slightly better components. So KSGER would be the way to go if you use it very often.

 

[Lavane]

I've been using a Stahl TSS from Partsexpress for some time now. I bought an extra iron since I usually only use two of the tips, its easier to just swap irons instead of tips. I have yet to wear out a tip. If I used a solder iron More often I would buy a Weller, etc. though.

 

[Jamie Starr]

I bought this a Circuit Specialists I have no complaints. But looking back, I probably should have just bought a Hakko. The entry station is like $100 and they say they are the best. Sometimes I think should just spent the money on certain tools, solder station, DMM, instead of looking for a bargain.
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/CSI-PREMIER-75W-Soldering-Station-Kit.html

 

[acmmty]

Last week I bought one of these (Amazon):


I have 3 of their older and cheaper model from the 80's. All working without any problems. Made in Taiwan

 

[Watthour]

As long as you can get replacement tips (and possibly an element) for the iron, the name on the front may not matter much for intermittent / occasional use solder stations.

 

[James Hart]

I've been using a Stahl TSS from Partsexpress for some time now.

same here

If I used a solder iron More often I would buy a Weller, etc. though.

agreed, it works well and maintains temp better than other cheap stations I've used... but if I used it more than occasionally, I'd upgrade.

 

[Lavane]

As long as you can get replacement tips (and possibly an element) for the iron, the name on the front may not matter much for intermittent / occasional use solder stations.

Thats how I looked at it. And the Stahl has replacable tips. The cable on the iron is very flexible also. Im pretty sure the iron has a silicone covering. It holds temp well also.

 

[birchoak]

I use the Stahl, too. It's seen a lot of hard use for at least six years, I'd say, and shows no signs of giving up.

 

[spark1]

I've had two Stahl stations burn up. Now using Hakko FX888D. So far so good (1.5 years or thereabouts), and a joy to use.

 

[Lavane]

I've had two Stahl stations burn up. Now using Hakko FX888D. So far so good (1.5 years or thereabouts), and a joy to use.

Was it the model without the LCD display? I had that one first. If its turned on without an iron plugged in it will burn up fast. I have a cat that loves chewing silicone covered cables. No other wires, just silicone. One day I turned it on and didn't notice the cable to the iron had been chewed through. The base burned out quick. I keep the irons hanging up now.

 

[spark1]

This one:

https://www.parts-express.com/stahl...lled-soldering-iron-station-esd-safe--374-200. First one lasted about 3 years, with moderate use. Second lasted about two years, with heavier use. Not too bad, for the $$...but frustrating when they go bad in the middle of a project.

 

[Lavane]

This one:

https://www.parts-express.com/stahl...lled-soldering-iron-station-esd-safe--374-200. First one lasted about 3 years, with moderate use. Second lasted about two years, with heavier use. Not too bad, for the $$...but frustrating when they go bad in the middle of a project.

Ya, that's the one that fried on me. But due to the cat chewing. I did notice it ran much warmer than the the model I have now. And I run thiz one at 560°.

 

[El Rubio]

I bought a Yihua iron with the hot air gun. I was replacing a surface mounted component on my daughter’s cell phone and used the hot air feature. I have used it many times over about 5 years or so for soldering and hot air with no problems at all. I think I paid about $50 or so for it.

 

[Mayank]

T12 and Stahl look to be the preferred stations.

As Parts Express was out of stock, for the Stahl, I went ahead and placed an order with Banggood (first timer) for the KSGER T12 station. They were offering the station with the latest software update v3.1 and at a special 40% off price.

KSGER T12 STM32 V3.1S Welding Soldering Iron Station OLED DIY Plastic Handle Ele - US$53.88

I will post my impressions when I receive this.

Thank you all once again for taking the time to give me your recommendations.

Best Rgds
Mayank

 

[Binkman]

I use the Aoyue 9378 Pro 60 Watt Programmable Digital Soldering Station. Comes with 10 tips and extra heater core. (same tip fit size as the popular japanese model and same/similar programmable features, sleep mode etc.. I opened the cover and it has excellent assembly and good size t-former. .