Opinions on soldering irons/stations?

[cowanrg]

Like cowanrg I use a cheapo I've had so long I can't remember when or where I got it. I has a little pot on the handle that is at about 2/3rds - I only crank it right up to desolder the "hard" solder on manufactured boards. As cowanrg said it melts solder quickly what else do you need?

I've often looked at stations with temperature control but for my limited hobby use I can't justify to myself why I should change.

David L

wow, thats an old post by me.

well, i finally got a hakko, and you couldnt pay me enough to use my old iron 🙂 soldering with the hakko (929 i think?) is completely different, and much better. i wish i would have known sooner.

 

[Nordic]

Didn't see anyone mention soldering iron temperature controler kits... I have a $10 kit like that, which a fellow forum member donated to me... turned my cheap soldering iron into a delight.

 

[sklimek]

Somebody might have posted this earlier in this thread - but if you like the Hakko check this link:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54965&highlight=

I bought one 3 months ago and he still had some at that time. You will need to get a new tip about 25 bucks, they're great.

Stan