I'm in need of a good soldering station

[TopazPie]

Hey, everyone. I'm finally getting rid of my $7 soldering iron and going to get a better one. Thanks for the input in advance.

[Beca]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42824.0

[TopazPie]

Haha thanks. Not sure why I didn't see this when I searched.

[Beca]

np. and I've personally heard some good things about this station: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19240__soldering_station_with_adjustable_heat_range_usa_warehouse_.html

it's called the yihua 936 and it's a clone of a hakko station. it's like $30 shipped i believe, around there. I have not personally used it myself, I just google yihua 936 and read some feedback on it.

[TopazPie]

np. and I've personally heard some good things about this station: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19240__soldering_station_with_adjustable_heat_range_usa_warehouse_.html

it's called the yihua 936 and it's a clone of a hakko station. it's like $30 shipped i believe, around there. I have not personally used it myself, I just google yihua 936 and read some feedback on it.

Interesting. I am not sure that I want to chance it not being as good. I might just get a hakko station.

[Beca]

np. and I've personally heard some good things about this station: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19240__soldering_station_with_adjustable_heat_range_usa_warehouse_.html

it's called the yihua 936 and it's a clone of a hakko station. it's like $30 shipped i believe, around there. I have not personally used it myself, I just google yihua 936 and read some feedback on it.

Interesting. I am not sure that I want to chance it not being as good. I might just get a hakko station.

you could, im just poor as **** so this is something i'd probably get

[Pacifist]

np. and I've personally heard some good things about this station: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19240__soldering_station_with_adjustable_heat_range_usa_warehouse_.html

it's called the yihua 936 and it's a clone of a hakko station. it's like $30 shipped i believe, around there. I have not personally used it myself, I just google yihua 936 and read some feedback on it.

+1 solid entry iron

[Lanx]

those are the chinese clones of the hakko 936, another popular clone is the
AOYUE 936

i'm not a soldering expert, but the reason why you want to upgrade from a 7$ radio shack pen solder is to get control, like super temp control, why would you ever trust ****ty chinese copy cats for that?

i've used my hakko 936 for 2 boards and a few electronic stuffs, it's LOADS easier than a ****ing radio shack pen, the upgrade is amazing. i've also used it to de-solder, just get the sucking pen.

[TheSoulhunter]

Might help to decide...

[Lanx]

tldr, buy if you are absolutely dirt poor, it's at least better than solder pens.

good review

[dorkvader]

I recommend OKI / Metcal. They are excellent!
 I really want to try pace or JBC though.

[bazh]

I use Goot PX-201, likely $50 on amazon

[physicsmajor]

+1 for the Hakko FX-888[D]

If you can find the original FX-888 analog version in very good condition used, consider it. Strongly.

[intelli78]

I bought a Hakko FX888D from Amazon a few weeks ago, and I have been very happy with it. Just your basic, temp controlled station. From what I read, Hakko and Weller seem to be two of the most reputable brands.

[physicsmajor]

I bought a Hakko FX888D from Amazon a few weeks ago, and I have been very happy with it. Just your basic, temp controlled station. From what I read, Hakko and Weller seem to be two of the most reputable brands.

Make sure to feed it good quality solder, too. You want the leaded stuff with rosin or flux core. Kester 44 is my go-to. Almost equally as important as the iron to make the entire experience positive...

[dorkvader]

agreed: get decent solder. it makes everything easier.

I have a few lbs of "indium" brand solder that is excellent.

[physicsmajor]

agreed: get decent solder. it makes everything easier.

I have a few lbs of "indium" brand solder that is excellent.

To elaborate a bit: "Decent" solder means leaded solder (the Pb is a good thing, not bad, for this purpose) which also has rosin or flux in the core. Kester 44 is a front running option, it flows like magic.

[EverythingIBM]

I'd definitely recommend leaded solder (like 60/40 w/ rosin core). Honestly, it is not dangerous.. the only dangerous thing with soldering are the fumes from the flux.

If you do a lot of through-hole soldering, get a Hakko-808. It also works very well to not only desolder leads, but solder and reflow them as well.

[phoenix1234]

Hey, everyone. I'm finally getting rid of my $7 soldering iron and going to get a better one. Thanks for the input in advance.

Personally, my suggestion is to find the brand Edsyn if you are based in the US.
Edsyn 951sxe soldering station that http://www.geekhackers.org/ is selling is a great station
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57764.0

Otherwise, you can get a Goot PX-501 or Ersa i-Con Nano if you are based in Asia or EU.