Author Topic: Going to buy first Soldering Iron (Read 8972 times)

bloodygood · « **on:** Wed, 11 January 2012, 16:13:34 »

This is my first soldering iron as the title says and in one of the forum posts here I found recommended this soldering iron station.
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9672 Since that time that specific version was retired and was replaced by this version. http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10707
Based on the reviews and information from the website it seems it is a cosmetic upgrade with slight fixes. So that was going to be my choice for soldering iron. But then today the website was doing what they called a "Free Day" which is some event they do once a year. Basically summed up, I was one of the winners and now have a $100 promo code to spend there and I am conflicted. Should I buy this soldering iron station that was recommended, or go for the very well known brand name Hakko.
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10553
The $100 is only good on their website and these are the two that they are offering. I would love to hear some suggestions, from what I hear they are both extremely good quality soldering irons but perhaps some other GeekHackers could help with their experiences with either brand name.

Thank you very much for your time and insight.

kidchunks · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed, 11 January 2012, 16:55:21 »

I decided to replace my weller wp35 (fixed temp) with a station and after reading review after review. I just bit the bullet and went with the Hakko fx-888. From what I hear it's a damn good station. My only gripe is the damn COLOR! They only provide the sweet colors in the 220v model. If you're looking to stay within the $100 promo then the lower priced station you linked will suit your needs.

bloodygood · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed, 11 January 2012, 19:53:53 »

Quote from: harrison;488194

it users hakko tips, and it holds heat high enough for lead-free solder. really that's what's going to matter for users that are 'new' to soldering. spend the remainder on some good solder, flux, a solder sucker, some wick, and a few replacement tips. you'll be set, and no money out of your pocket (you lucky bastard!)

I really don't plan to solder all the time, but I do plan to build my own DOX once the parts are all ready to order. And I also plan on building an arcade cabinet and a few arcade controllers for friends. So I am definitely going to be getting a lot of use out if it. The most important thing is definitely quality, and the bonus of lower price with the ability to purchase a few extra products like that without going over the prize money is pretty darn nice.

Quote from: kidchunks;488201

I decided to replace my weller wp35 (fixed temp) with a station and after reading review after review. I just bit the bullet and went with the Hakko fx-888. From what I hear it's a damn good station. My only gripe is the damn COLOR! They only provide the sweet colors in the 220v model. If you're looking to stay within the $100 promo then the lower priced station you linked will suit your needs.

I would have to agree since I always felt that the Hakko brand looks like it got their color scheme from Hasbro or something. But they certainly have made a good name for themselves to the point that I would not doubt their quality based on looks alone. I have heard a comparison between a Weller fixed temp and a Hakko would be almost incompatible as far as the difference. Although a station Weller vs a Hakko would certainly be very insightful.

kidchunks · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 11 January 2012, 20:10:50 »

Quote from: bloodygood;488283

I have heard a comparison between a Weller fixed temp and a Hakko would be almost incompatible as far as the difference. Although a station Weller vs a Hakko would certainly be very insightful.

The reason why I went on a search for a soldering station was because 35 watts is pretty high for pcb work (which is what I mainly due). In regards to a weller to hakko station comparison, you can check out the Weller WES51.

Lanx · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 11 January 2012, 20:39:37 »

get a brass cleaner, that place didn't seem to have one
http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Soldering-Cleaner-sponge-needed/dp/B005C789EU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326335826&sr=8-1

there's a hakko brand for 3 bucks more (which i use) but this one is cheaper and with amazon if you spend over 25 it's free shipping (there has to be something you can add on)

bloodygood · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 11 January 2012, 20:42:50 »

Quote from: Lanx;488312

get a brass cleaner, that place didn't seem to have one
http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Soldering-Cleaner-sponge-needed/dp/B005C789EU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326335826&sr=8-1

there's a hakko brand for 3 bucks more (which i use) but this one is cheaper and with amazon if you spend over 25 it's free shipping (there has to be something you can add on)

Do you mean like this one from their website? http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8965
I was already planning on adding that to the order by the way.

kidchunks · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 11 January 2012, 21:31:39 »

Quote from: Lanx;488312

get a brass cleaner, that place didn't seem to have one
http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Soldering-Cleaner-sponge-needed/dp/B005C789EU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326335826&sr=8-1

Haha, that is the same one I have. Works very well

. I also have this desolder sucker. It's a little pricey but man does it suck!

Lanx · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 12 January 2012, 22:32:22 »

ah cool you found one, yea, brass cleaner is awesome.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 13:45:54 »

This is the solder sucker that I use http://tinyurl.com/6m2ktqb Works great desolder 10 boards so far for the switches and housings. I also got the Hakko FX-888 for christmas so I am happy all around. jUst need to pick up some new tips as I will want some new ones for working on the DOXs and Phantoms.

kidchunks · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 15:31:57 »

Quote from: TheProfosist;496946

This is the solder sucker that I use http://tinyurl.com/6m2ktqb Works great desolder 10 boards so far for the switches and housings. I also got the Hakko FX-888 for christmas so I am happy all around. jUst need to pick up some new tips as I will want some new ones for working on the DOXs and Phantoms.

I'm in the same boat, what tips are you looking at getting? I'm looking at the T18-BL or T18-B for pcb work.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 17:17:39 »

Quote from: kidchunks;497028

I'm in the same boat, what tips are you looking at getting? I'm looking at the T18-BL or T18-B for pcb work.

I havent really looked yet. I do like the one that it has standard as you can use it flat for more surface area or on the side for a point. The BL looks too pointy to me for keyboard work at least but the B looks good.

hazeluff · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 17:57:25 »

Just a note on desolder suckers. There is an alternative option of getting copper ribbon, Its slightly easier to use, but if you remove a ton of solder, its gonna be costly.

digitalleftovers · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 18:37:20 »

I found these old soldering videos on youtube. They are from 1980, but the ones about basic principles and through-hole soldering still seem relevant. They offer the most detail that I have found yet. If anyone knows of anything better, please post it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/paceworldwide?feature=watch

jwaz · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 19:19:27 »

I was about to start this same thread. Thanks OP

Wildcard · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 19:24:28 »

I know this might seem like overkill, but if you plan to do lots of soldering, get a good iron off the bat. I use a Weller WD1001. The Iron is a breeze to use, heats up super fast cools down quick. I have even changed tips while the iron was hot, but not usually necessary. Best part about the iron is the fact that the station not only shows a pretty exact temp, but has multiple temp settings. So one button, up to 600 F, another button back down to an idle 150 F.

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Wildcard · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 19:25:47 »

Quote from: digitalleftovers;497157

I found these old soldering videos on youtube. They are from 1980, but the ones about basic principles and through-hole soldering still seem relevant. They offer the most detail that I have found yet. If anyone knows of anything better, please post it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/paceworldwide?feature=watch

Good videos

modulor · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 22:19:06 »

I remember coming across those old PACE videos when I was first learning how to solider! They are very helpful

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 23 January 2012, 23:37:14 »

-Solder suckers, it's best to stay with the Soldapullt lines by Edsyn.
-Solder wick (the copper braid) works very well, keep in mind there are different weaves, thicknesses, widths, amount of flux on them...
-If you ever will need to desolder a lot (switches on a keyboard) consider a Hakko 808 desoldering gun. It's so nice!
-I have a Hakko FX-951...I like the blue and yellow (of course I'm a Cal graduate) it livens up the area rather than black or brown or some other industrial color.
-Personal soldering experience...I've found a few dollar spent on the extra things make the soldering easier and better...
-GET THE RIGHT TIPS AND KEEP THEM IN GOOD SHAPE!!!

bloodygood · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 21 March 2012, 10:15:08 »

Alrighty, sorry for the late reply, only recently finally placed my order. This was the final list.
Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10830
Solder Vacuum http://www.sparkfun.com/products/82
Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9325
Brass Sponge with Base http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8965
Soldering Iron Variable Temperature 50W http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10707
6" Digital Calipers http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10997
Which all came out to be $104.70. with the $100 free coupon from their give-away captcha thing. I ended up paying 4.70 + shipping. Everything arrived in 2 days after I placed the order and everything is working except for the Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer. So I wrote an email to them about the defective device and they are now shipping me out a new model and I will be returning the malfunctioning one back in that box. Overall I would rate their service a 10/10. They got an email back to me in 24 hours and had the part out shipping the same day. I would definitely do business with them again.

digitalleftovers · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 22 March 2012, 15:47:50 »

Sweet! Have fun with that. And remember, TIN YOUR TIP! I have a spot on the side of mine that has become a divot because I didn't coat it the first few times I used it. Now I know... Also, I wasn't sure what I would use my soldering iron for when I bought it (other than the phantom project), and now there is no end to the list of work I have for it.

bloodygood · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 23 March 2012, 13:06:32 »

Quote from: digitalleftovers;553841

Sweet! Have fun with that. And remember, TIN YOUR TIP! I have a spot on the side of mine that has become a divot because I didn't coat it the first few times I used it. Now I know... Also, I wasn't sure what I would use my soldering iron for when I bought it (other than the phantom project), and now there is no end to the list of work I have for it.

Thank you for the reminder, this is great advice for /everyone/ tinning the tip of that soldering iron extends its life significantly it seems according to everything i've read.

quickcrx702 · « **Reply #21 on:** Sat, 24 March 2012, 02:18:03 »

If this is your first soldering iron, I highly recommend you learn how to solder first before dumping a lot of cash. Buy a $3 throw away at your local electronics store and get some practice. LOL I use two less than $10 soldering irons from Frys and they work great. I mostly use my irons for replacing laptop power jacks, other stupid IT stuff, car related stuff, and just boredome LOL. One is a 15 watt and the other is a 30 depending on my temperature needs. Solder wick is easier to use than solder suckers in my opinion. Anyway have fun and don't inhale too many fumes unless you like teh cancer.

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Author Topic: Going to buy first Soldering Iron (Read 8972 times)