Need a good basic soldering station

[henrylrjr]

I've spent many, many hours ready posts about soldering stations. They have options I never heard about and don't understand. I don't mind spending $250 for a device that appears to get rave reviews and has a good life span. Gotta check warranty...hope its at least one year.

I'm thinking a basic Metcal PS-900 would be plenty for me. From what i read it should be capable of soldering 12awg copper wire and binding posts, with the appropriate tip. The ones I saw online had labels reading made in china. Am i missing anything important? Are the ones from China clones?

 

[henrylrjr]

I will be using it occasionally at home for DIY. Don't need air, whatever that does and certainly don't need security features or the need for two hand piece connections. Digital readout, LCD screen forget it.

 

[rayma]

I will be using it occasionally at home for DIY.

I like my Metcal a lot, but get an assortment of tips. They're owned by OK International now.

 

[henrylrjr]

Thanks for the reply. Do you have the PS-900? Should I not be concerned that they are made in China?

 

[henrylrjr]

I forgot to ask, but is the PS-900 an RF device like the more expensive Metcal stations? Can the hand held irons from the other Metcal models be used with the PS-900?

Thanks,
henrylrjr

 

[Ron E]

The one that gets the raves lately price for performance is the hakko FX-888D.
You can watch all about it on the eevblog on youtube.
https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Digital-FX888D-Soldering-Station/dp/B00AWUFVY8

It's thermostatically controlled (you set the temp and it has a control loop that maintains it) heats up fast and apparently does a decent job.

 

[rayma]

Thanks for the reply. Do you have the PS-900? Should I not be concerned
that they are made in China?

I have the PS-800, but I think all the Metcals I've tried work equally well.
The later model handle/cord assembly seems better than older ones.
No quality problems that I've seen.

 

[henrylrjr]

Thanks for the info. I read a lot of good reviews of the Hakko and it's price is not high. However, is it RF or, does it use a conventional heater? Many things I've read say RF is the way to go and many companies will likely be developing models using that technology. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again. I'm a total newbie and have only used a cheap velleman that's now dead.

 

[rayma]

I forgot to ask, but is the PS-900 an RF device like the more expensive Metcal stations?
Can the hand held irons from the other Metcal models be used with the PS-900?

Yes, the RF is at 450kHz. The newer models appear not to be compatible with older ones, but check with OKi.
http://www.okinternational.com/hand.../Production_Soldering_System_-_Tip_Hand-piece

 

[rayma]

Thanks for the info. I read a lot of good reviews of the Hakko and it's price is not high.
However, is it RF or, does it use a conventional heater?

It seems to be more like a Weller.

 

[henrylrjr]

Something I just noticed is that Metcal, and a few other mfrs that make RF powered soldering stations, seem to use 470kHZ on their top models. That might provide more power and accessory options. I still want to get a Metcal, but should I go for a 470kHz powered model?

 

[rayma]

Something I just noticed is that Metcal, and a few other mfrs that make RF powered soldering stations, seem to use 470kHZ on their top models. That might provide more power and accessory options. I still want to get a Metcal, but should I go for a 470kHz powered model?

That's a very slight difference in frequency, I'd choose based on other factors.

 

[henrylrjr]

I bought the Metcal PS-900. It is fantastic. Most connections get to temp in seconds. The tip is easily cleaned and stays shiny.

 

[henrylrjr]

Someone tinned wires and solder cups on Neutrik XLRs. The wires where brought into contact inside the cups and heat was applied to the outside of the cups. No more solder was added. The solder used was Kester 60/40 66 rosin. The wire strands are clearly visible. I normally add more solder to make a thicker coating. My question is can I heat the cups from the outside, get the solder to liquefy and the add some 63/37 50?

 

[rayma]

My question is can I heat the cups from the outside, get the solder to liquefy and the add some 63/37 50?

A little more solder added should be fine, just no blobs. The closer the mixture is to eutectic, the better.

 

[henrylrjr]

Yah I always use eutectic. Unfortunately I know the person that did the work was using 60/40 which is not eutectic. That and the minimal coverage is why I want to use a eutectic. My Metcal will liquefy the 60/40 quickly and I will add some 63/37 eutectic. I didn't know if they could be mixed.

Thakns,
henrylrjr

 

[anatech]

Hi Henry,
You don't need eutectic solder to do a good job. I use both types, and some of the newer lead free solders. They also do a good job.

The 60/40 just needs a touch more heat, lead-free needs even more heat to melt. This isn't a problem in most cases, so stressing you need a eutectic composition only increases what the solder might cost you. It used to be more expensive. The difference between a eutectic blend is that it goes from a liquid to a solid without spending time in what is called the "plastic phase" where it transitions from a liquid to a solid. Keep things steady without movement and you won't see any difference between them.

Another iron is out there called "Quick". I'm evaluating a lower end model (Quick3104) and it looks the same as a Hakko. The hgher models use RF energy to heat the tip and they warm up very quickly. Lot's of features at a low price. I'm waiting for an assortment of tips before I can review it.

I have no connection with the distributors or personnel, I just saw it in a trade show and asked if I could try one.

-Chris

 

[infinia]

Another iron is out there called "Quick". I'm evaluating a lower end model (Quick3104) and it looks the same as a Hakko.

Look forward to a detailed impression from you.
not so much if it's another me too clone type

 

[anatech]

Hi infinia,
I think these guys are the OEM. The one I have right now was supposed to be $75 USD, but I could have that wrong so don't quote me on it. I think they represent amazing value. This one is a digital display (LCD) for the set temperature and the actual temperature. It works well for smt work, but the tip supplied is a useless thin, long conical type. Not surprisingly, it doesn't transfer heat to larger connections. I did order a replacement Hakko tip for it off Ebay, and it fit okay. The stations look very similar and the tips appear to be interchangeable. Hopefully I'll have a set of tips from the distributor sometime very soon.

-Chris

 

[infinia]

yes on 1st glance they look similar but much better color scheme!
interestingly here is the analog version Quick 70W Analog Soldering Station | QUICK3103 | Quick

US memebers can get real Hakko 888D for 69.00 on sale a couple of times a year at a local B&M