Soldering Station Recommendations?

[kevinmasters]

My radio shack special needs to take a hike. I do believe I'm ready for a decent mid-grade station. I'd like to keep it at or under $200. Recommendations? :scratch2: Go!

 

[rotini]

This is what I went with:

http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888-FX-888-Soldering-Station/dp/B004M3U0VU

 

[ferninando]

if you have a Harbor Frieght nearby, they have good ones.

 

[StuartB]

I second the Hakko. I recently picked one up and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

[TerryO]

This is what I went with:

http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888-FX-888-Soldering-Station/dp/B004M3U0VU

Me too! Great Iron.

 

[ferninando]

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/browse/Soldering-Stations/0000001216
MCM has a bunch

 

[westend]

Give Dave.BD a shout in this thread about buying a Hakko 888. You won't believe the difference. :yes:

 

[luvvinvinyl]

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=476714

If this deal is still going on, it's tough to beat. They even got me to buy one, and I never did that stuff. Now I have a new skill to learn.

A couple of projects await...

 

[shelly_d]

I went with this one and think it is well worth the money. Get some extra tips so that you have them if you need them.

Shelly_D

It helps if I include the link

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_2114685_-1

 

[MikeCh]

Depends if you want a tool or a toy

 

[iloveamps]

I also have an XYtronic (not the same model as above), it's amazing.

Or you can't go wrong with Weller stations. http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/WELLER-WESD51-/96-1764

 

[gadget73]

The Hakko 888 is a nice piece. I personally think its a bit funky looking but it sure does work well.

 

[VintagePlus]

Cant go wrong with a Weller WES 51.

 

[TerryO]

The Hakko 888 is a nice piece. I personally think its a bit funky looking but it sure does work well.

If I had waited a few months, I could have gotten in on the AK deal for the Hakko. As it is, it's certainly worth it, even paying full price. I spent 25+ years using inferior soldering irons, so I consider myself an expert on cheap, so-so irons.

BTW: The Hakko isn't a cheap, nor a so-so iron! Great tool!

Best Regards,
TerryO

 

[bhamham]

I've been using this cheap Hakko clone for about a year with no problems and works great:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220V-60W-SO...077?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257087870d


Here's a write-up about it on this aussie's blog:
http://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/huakko-936c-soldering-station-(hakko-936-clone)/

 

[bigwally]

This works very well for me and it's pretty inexpensive.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=374-200

 

[allsmith]

Second vote for a Weller WES-51

 

[StuartB]

Kevin, I am in Dublin. If you are ever in the area you are more than welcome to handle the Hakko in person before buying something.

 

[mforys]

+1 for the Hakko

 

[kevinmasters]

Depends if you want a tool or a toy

TOOL PLEASE!:yes: