Your Equipment !

EdT · 26th December 2006, 12:08 AM

Ok, what brand of soldering irons do most of you guys use here ? I am thinking of getting a Madell 936A (Hakko clone) soldering station, reason being I am able to readily find Hakko and aftermarket tips everywhere. I have worked in the electronics industry for many years and I do not own a quality soldering iron myself and getting tired of unplugging those pencil type irons when they get too hot, but now it a good time get one as any. The new Metcal(OKI) are garbage, they are all made in China and more than 3/4 have failed in the 2 months we got them at the shop, but the overall price was the same when they were made in the USA. Hakkos and Pace are good, but I think they are overpriced, a new unit is over $200 and the handle itself is $175, Weller I don't like much, but their higher end stuff is getting better.

hifimaker · 26th December 2006, 11:55 PM

Weller WES51.

Get a weller with varible heat settings. You can get a wide range of tips for any application. I purchased a fine needle point for soldering SMD chips and transistors and it worked great! Your weller iron will last for years.

Shop around online and you can find them for great prices.

-David

Geek · 27th December 2006, 12:31 AM

Weller WP25.

Almost as old as me and still going

I_Forgot · 27th December 2006, 02:16 AM

I've been using a Hakko temp controlled iron for a couple years and I like it.

Being able to get replacement tips is a MAJOR consideration.

I_F

26th December 2006, 12:08 AM	#1
EdT diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	Your Equipment ! Ok, what brand of soldering irons do most of you guys use here ? I am thinking of getting a Madell 936A (Hakko clone) soldering station, reason being I am able to readily find Hakko and aftermarket tips everywhere. I have worked in the electronics industry for many years and I do not own a quality soldering iron myself and getting tired of unplugging those pencil type irons when they get too hot, but now it a good time get one as any. The new Metcal(OKI) are garbage, they are all made in China and more than 3/4 have failed in the 2 months we got them at the shop, but the overall price was the same when they were made in the USA. Hakkos and Pace are good, but I think they are overpriced, a new unit is over $200 and the handle itself is $175, Weller I don't like much, but their higher end stuff is getting better.

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26th December 2006, 11:55 PM	#2
hifimaker diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose	Weller WES51. Get a weller with varible heat settings. You can get a wide range of tips for any application. I purchased a fine needle point for soldering SMD chips and transistors and it worked great! Your weller iron will last for years. Shop around online and you can find them for great prices. -David

27th December 2006, 12:31 AM	#3
Geek diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004	Weller WP25. Almost as old as me and still going

27th December 2006, 02:16 AM	#4
I_Forgot diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, Az.	I've been using a Hakko temp controlled iron for a couple years and I like it. Being able to get replacement tips is a MAJOR consideration. I_F

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