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Soldering station opinion — Parallax Forums

Soldering station opinion

TCTC Posts: 1,019
edited 2014-02-24 14:01 in General Discussion
Hell all,

I am soon going to be in the market for a new soldering iron, and I was poking around on eBay. I found this one, that looks promising. But I cant find a manufacture for it. I cant find tips, heater elements, nothing, except on eBay.

What are your guys opinion on it? Has anyone bought/used it? I don't want to but it, and a year later it is dead, and I cant find parts.

Thanks
TC
«1

Comments

  • Dr_AculaDr_Acula Posts: 5,484
    edited 2014-02-11 04:42
    That is a nice looking soldering iron!
    I don't want to but it, and a year later it is dead, and I cant find parts.

    If it dies, well... I've got two soldering stations and each has died in the past and when that happens I've used the working one to repair the non working one. Several times :)

    Looking at that soldering station with the hot air rework, I'm tempted to buy a third.
  • TCTC Posts: 1,019
    edited 2014-02-11 04:46
    Dr_Acula wrote: »
    That is a nice looking soldering iron!

    I have to agree with you there, it is.

    If it dies, well... I've got two soldering stations and each has died in the past and when that happens I've used the working one to repair the non working one. Several times :)

    Looking at that soldering station, I'm tempted to buy a third.

    That will be one thing. I might not have that option. My Radio Shack iron is about to die.
  • rosco_pcrosco_pc Posts: 464
    edited 2014-02-11 06:23
    This is one of the many hakko 936 clones. Very easy to find tips for. Not sure about the rest.
  • TCTC Posts: 1,019
    edited 2014-02-11 06:38
    rosco_pc wrote: »
    This is one of the many hakko 936 clones. Very easy to find tips for. Not sure about the rest.

    Well that would not be that bad. I dont see going through hearters that fast.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2014-02-11 07:03
    If you have to buy a cheap, Chinese soldering station, there are some that aren't too bad. I don't think that is one of them. I would look for a used Hakko.
    I wouldn't recommend a new Hakko unless it comes from a U.S. dealer, otherwise it'll probably be a clone instead of the genuine item.

    It can be hard to tell the difference:

    http://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/hakko-fx-888-real-or-fake/

    Here is some good advice:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=R_PbjbRaO2E#t=509
  • xanaduxanadu Posts: 3,347
    edited 2014-02-11 09:24
    I purchased a "Power+ 8000 SMD" a couple years ago. There are a bunch on the market that all have the same knob and display position as it. They are Hakko compatible tips. Ours lasted about a year before getting tossed but if you're into modding stuff it could be a lot of fun.

    Here is a youtube video of the internals - http://youtu.be/_C_VzIGi7aM

    Here is the one I got and some Amazon reviews - http://www.amazon.com/REWORK-SOLDERING-IRON-STATION-handles/dp/B004ZB9D4O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
  • GenetixGenetix Posts: 1,754
    edited 2014-02-11 13:09
    Those multi-stations are pricey and I have only seen a hot air gun used once. I've seen Wellers everywhere though not everyone uses them, I've seen at least one person who uses Metcal, and then I've seen an assortment of other brands. Everyone has their own preference and it partially depends on what it is used for. I myself prefer the fat tip Weller stations.
  • TCTC Posts: 1,019
    edited 2014-02-11 14:26
    The Hakko units are not that bad for price. I found a digital one on ebay, shipping from PA. The only thing that bothers me is, they look like a kids toy. I am assuming I'm wrong, It probable is a great unit, but the colors make me think it belongs in Toys R' Us.

    Here is the iron.
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2014-02-11 15:19
    TC wrote: »
    The Hakko units are not that bad for price. I found a digital one on ebay, shipping from PA. The only thing that bothers me is, they look like a kids toy. I am assuming I'm wrong, It probable is a great unit, but the colors make me think it belongs in Toys R' Us.

    Here is the iron.


    I think this is the same unit that Parallax purchased for their classes.

    Same seller, same price from Amazon

    http://www.amazon.com/Digital-FX888D-CHP170-bundle-cutter/dp/B00AWUFVY8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392160630&sr=8-1&keywords=hakko
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2014-02-11 15:21
    TC wrote: »
    The Hakko units are not that bad for price. I found a digital one on ebay, shipping from PA. The only thing that bothers me is, they look like a kids toy. I am assuming I'm wrong, It probable is a great unit, but the colors make me think it belongs in Toys R' Us.

    Here is the iron.

    I've had the same model Hakko for about two and a half years and soldered about 60 boards with it. So far so good.
  • Too_Many_ToolsToo_Many_Tools Posts: 765
    edited 2014-02-11 16:42
    W9GFO wrote: »
    I think this is the same unit that Parallax purchased for their classes.

    Same seller, same price from Amazon

    http://www.amazon.com/Digital-FX888D-CHP170-bundle-cutter/dp/B00AWUFVY8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392160630&sr=8-1&keywords=hakko

    Did they get the ToysrUs discount? ;<)
    (see remark above)

    In all seriousness, if they do the job they were a good buy.

    What seems to be the bane of 3rd party stations is lack of accessories and poor heating element construction. One of the RS stations had okay reviews..until someone who obviously knows stations pointed out the crappy element construction...it is not if it burns out but when...which makes sense...tough environment without the right alloys and construction.
  • Too_Many_ToolsToo_Many_Tools Posts: 765
    edited 2014-02-11 16:47
    Genetix wrote: »
    Those multi-stations are pricey and I have only seen a hot air gun used once. I've seen Wellers everywhere though not everyone uses them, I've seen at least one person who uses Metcal, and then I've seen an assortment of other brands. Everyone has their own preference and it partially depends on what it is used for. I myself prefer the fat tip Weller stations.

    FWIW...When RS was discontinuing this summer, they had the Weller WES51 and WESD51 on clearance....WES51 = $70 and WESD51 = $90...which I thought was a bit expensive yet. Upon researching it, that seems to be the cheapest they sell for anywhere at the right time of the year...my guess...Weller has set a floor where the discounting stops...so don't hold your breath waiting for it go cheaper.
  • PropGuy2PropGuy2 Posts: 360
    edited 2014-02-11 17:40
    It all depends on what you are using the soldering station for. I go for a top brand names that will be around for a long time. For commercial and SMD use I recommend the Pace Corporation line of solder equipment. It will last longer than you will. I have a model ST-25 It has a grounded solder tip, constant temperature (Sensa-Tip), I replace the heating element about every 3 years or so - solder tips when they get worn about every 2 to 3 months. They are used in production (8 hour shifts) and I have never had a failure.
  • TCTC Posts: 1,019
    edited 2014-02-11 18:22
    W9GFO wrote: »
    I think this is the same unit that Parallax purchased for their classes.

    Same seller, same price from Amazon

    If Parallax bought them, then they must be good.
    PropGuy2 wrote: »
    It all depends on what you are using the soldering station for. I go for a top brand names that will be around for a long time. For commercial and SMD use I recommend the Pace Corporation line of solder equipment. It will last longer than you will. I have a model ST-25 It has a grounded solder tip, constant temperature (Sensa-Tip), I replace the heating element about every 3 years or so - solder tips when they get worn about every 2 to 3 months. They are used in production (8 hour shifts) and I have never had a failure.

    I am not doing any production work, just hobby work.
  • TCTC Posts: 1,019
    edited 2014-02-11 18:24
    kwinn wrote: »
    I've had the same model Hakko for about two and a half years and soldered about 60 boards with it. So far so good.

    A lot of people are recommending the Hakko, I am sold on what iron I will get.

    Thank you everyone.
  • Peter KG6LSEPeter KG6LSE Posts: 1,383
    edited 2014-02-12 03:02
    I have the hakko 888 non digital one . Its a Sweet station and I saw its digital replacement model at FRYs last week for 69 USD . Its a very nice iron.
  • Paul Sr.Paul Sr. Posts: 435
    edited 2014-02-12 07:32
    I have the same unit and I agree - real sweet station!
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2014-02-12 07:46
    Two criteria that matter most. Nice fine point tip, high heat. I would rather replace the handle 5 times in 5 years and have a nice tip quality and good heat versus an annoying tip that lasts 20 years. I bought that hakko once and gave it away immediately. I like the radioshack digital station for 79.00. Tips and handles are a phone call away. Love it.

    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3132686
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-02-12 08:12
    T Chap wrote: »
    Two criteria that matter most. Nice fine point tip, high heat. I would rather replace the handle 5 times in 5 years and have a nice tip quality and good heat versus an annoying tip that lasts 20 years. I bought that hakko once and gave it away immediately. I like the radioshack digital station for 79.00. Tips and handles are a phone call away. Love it.

    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3132686

    +1 on the Radio Shack model. I have used mine for three years with zero problems.

    If RS goes under, replacement parts can be had here:

    http://www.madelltech.com/m3.html

    I bought the 5 pack of tips for the AT series here:

    http://www.madelltech.com/Soldertips.html
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2014-02-12 10:57
    T Chap wrote: »
    I bought that hakko once and gave it away immediately...

    Perhaps you got one of the Hakko clones?
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2014-02-12 11:10
    I tried using fine point tips for soldering at first, but always had trouble. Then I read that with fine point tips the contact area is tiny and the heat transfer is poor. I switched to screwdriver/chisel tips of 1 to 2 mm, which seems to be the most recommended, and the problems went away.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2014-02-12 11:19
    I bought the hakko at Fry,s. A fine is no problem for most cases, including large solderlugs like fuse holders etc, just put lay the tip on it's side and it works super fast. At 900 degrees with the radio shack, this thing blazes through solder on large and small parts. The handle breaks in time, but less than 15 bucks you get a new one at maddell.
  • AdamantiumOgreAdamantiumOgre Posts: 31
    edited 2014-02-18 19:26
    T Chap wrote: »
    Two criteria that matter most. Nice fine point tip, high heat. I would rather replace the handle 5 times in 5 years and have a nice tip quality and good heat versus an annoying tip that lasts 20 years. I bought that hakko once and gave it away immediately. I like the radioshack digital station for 79.00. Tips and handles are a phone call away. Love it.

    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3132686
    My cheapo solder pen let me down today, so I went out and bought this Radio Shack one. Heat acts like I doesn't get high enough. Can't even melt solder off the spool. I thought it might be a duty cycle issue, since I'm doing this in my home office, but I run a 1500 watt heater from this outlet,so it should be fine. I even tried it at max temp and it still won't melt the solder. Thoughts? Just take it back?

    or am I just using a crazy alloy that only melts once and don't know it? Just using some OATEY 53173 Lead Free Rosin Core.
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2014-02-18 19:58
    Oatey 53173 is a Lead Free Alloy of 95% Tin and 5% Antimony with a 450°F - 464°F melting range. In comparison to that a 63/37 lead/tin solder that was commonly used for electronics melts at 361.4°F.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2014-02-18 19:58
    Lead free is a real pain for me, I never use it. I have also heard that lead solder lasts longer and has less of the risk of some forms of degradation over time. Lead free requires a higher temp, but at 830F the RS station should melt it just fine. I can only say from experience that I have bought about 4 of the RS stations and like it a lot compared to other brand names. I use the Radio Shack fine solder with silver. I keep a small jar of flux near the station and use it often to keep the tip clean. I will say that I have experienced some brand new tips taking a bit to get broken in, so that the solder behaves well upon contact with the tip. I keep mine on max temp at all times. The digital read out shows what temp you want it to be, and the actual temp. If you are at a true 830F, it should melt anything. If you are at 830 and it wont melt anything, there is something wrong. Check the pencil to be sure the tip is secure.
  • Peter KG6LSEPeter KG6LSE Posts: 1,383
    edited 2014-02-18 21:19
    AdamantiumOgre


    Oh NooooI had the Same Really bad station unill I got the hakko .
    Dude . If you can . send it back ASAP ! . It is the worst station I have ever used .


    I have poped the top on mine . there Is no thermalcouple . It uses the NiChrome element as a poor mans bolometer .

    that 5 Pin plug is the 24 Ish volts to PWM the Iron and then pin 3 is GND ...no Real feedback .
  • AdamantiumOgreAdamantiumOgre Posts: 31
    edited 2014-02-19 12:14
    I went out to Amazon today and bought a Weller WD1001. Highly rated, and I'm more interested in something that works than to save a few dollars. Amazon is cheaper than Digikey (sort of my go to parts house), and has an easy return policy. It will take awhile to get, but hoping this will finally solve my problem once and for all. Thanks to everyone who responded.

    AO
  • Peter KG6LSEPeter KG6LSE Posts: 1,383
    edited 2014-02-19 19:29
    that weller should last half a decade . Out college has a few and have been abused and they still work well !
  • TymkrsTymkrs Posts: 539
    edited 2014-02-20 19:10
    We're huge fans of the hakko toys r' us one. HUGE fans. It has always gotten hot enough and we use a fine tip on it. Works like a charm everytime
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2014-02-20 19:24
    Peter KG6LSE wrote: »
    that weller should last half a decade . Out college has a few and have been abused and they still work well !

    I have a 60W Weller TCP series soldering station for my workbench and a 60W iron for my tool kit, both of which are at least 2 decades old and still work well. They are a bit too big for a lot of the smt work so I bought the Hakko for that, and it has also worked out well.
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