Solder Station advice

NWCCTV

So, I was told to make my christmas list and since I did not get one last year I am looking at this particular solder station. http://www.amazon.com/X-TRONIC-9020-XTS-SOLDERING-STATION-EXTRACTOR/dp/B00A2VQA24/ref=sr_1_15?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1353220426&sr=1-15

Has anyone used this type before? It looks promising and I like the fact that it has a fume extractor. The price is right about what I expect to pay. Anyone have any other ideas or better options?

RDL2004

Do you already have a decent soldering station? If not, instead of one of those all-in-one units, I'd be more inclined to go for a decent stand alone Hakko FX-888 or similar, then add a cheap hot air unit from eBay later. It might even cost less that way and you'll know you have a good quality soldering iron that will last. Fume extractors for home use are a bit over-rated, any kind of simple fan that will keep the smoke out of your face is probably all you need.



Just a couple of examples.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Hakko-FX-888-FX888-23BY-Soldering-Station-Factory-AUTHORIZED-Distributor-/270842901473

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-858D-Hot-Air-Gun-Rework-Station-Solder-Soldering-LED-Display-w-3-Nozzles-/370691848735

Paul Sr.

The above is good very advise - I have tried both solutions over the years and now have a new Hakko and love it.

Peter KG6LSE

I just got a 888 and love it ! .

max72

I purchased cheap stuff in the past with little satisfaction.
At last I decided to follow Leon's advice and got a Metcal, search the forum for his suggestions. Combined with the cartidge 101P (thermally enhanced) is insanely good, and I use it to solder anything down to 0805 res and caps. For smaller components (FT232, propeller..) I use a thinner tip. I haven't mastered the hoof yet.
Not exactly the same price league, but stellar stuff.
Massimo

Edit: here is a former thread
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?137546-Soldering-station-suggestioin-(again)

NWCCTV

If this was for business I would go with Metcal. My budget does not go that high for a soldering station so I think I will go with the solution @RDL2004 suggested. Thanks for the advice.

Leon

Second-hand Metcal equipment isn't all that expensive. You can probably get an STSS power unit with an MX-500 handpiece. holder, and a few cartridges for under $200.