Depends on your level of commitment. By which I really mean how much you are willing to spend
Something like this will get you a long way without being major $$. I've used it a few times and it's a good value.
Stahl Tools TCSS Temp Controlled Soldering Station ESD Safe 374-200
This is the station that I normally use. It hasn't failed me yet. You wouldn't need anything better unless you go pro or decide to solder every day.
Weller WES51 Soldering Station 372-145
Best,
Nelson
Something like this will get you a long way without being major $$. I've used it a few times and it's a good value.
Stahl Tools TCSS Temp Controlled Soldering Station ESD Safe 374-200
This is the station that I normally use. It hasn't failed me yet. You wouldn't need anything better unless you go pro or decide to solder every day.
Weller WES51 Soldering Station 372-145
Best,
Nelson
i use this on at home and work
Soldering Station - Digital Display - 48W [608-352NA] - $93.49 : Pro'sKit
i use this one you can find it alot cheaper than listed price think mine was around $70-80 with extra tips from Appleton Electronics Supply one of my local vendors
Soldering Station - Digital Display - 48W [608-352NA] - $93.49 : Pro'sKit
i use this one you can find it alot cheaper than listed price think mine was around $70-80 with extra tips from Appleton Electronics Supply one of my local vendors
I am using the fine Metcal and suggest it altho this unit is anything but cheap.
Features 'smart heat' and exchangeable tips.
Features 'smart heat' and exchangeable tips.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I bought a cheep iron from RadioShack awhile back but It is very bad. The tip won't get hot enough to melt the solder and the handle gets way to hot. I don't want to make the same mistake twice so I'm willing to invest a bit on my next iron. Money is all ways a concern so I'm looking for a the best value out there
I just bought this one on Ebay:
Hakko FX888-23BY Soldering Station - High-performance soldering tool | eBay
Hakko FX888-23BY Soldering Station - High-performance soldering tool | eBay
I am using the fine Metcal and suggest it altho this unit is anything but cheap.
I have one at work (my own), another at home and a spare power supply and wand though in 10+ years I've never had a failure. That's how much I don't want to be without it. We've bought 3 at work (besides mine) off eBay for $175, $190 and $250. Also my previous employer has 6 units - all from eBay. I've been soldering 50 years and nothing else comes close. Just my $0.02
G²
Hi there, I'm new to the hobby and just staring to build my tool set. Any recommendations on a soldering iron?
might depend on where you live
I have a very nice Weller Magnastat for mains voltage
also have a nice gas iron, but ignition needs repair
but I definately could use a solder station
on low budget I find the new RS DS50 very interesting
I'm in the US
ah, maybe the fine little hakko suggested above then
Any clear winner among these two?
check if its easy to get new tips, and their prices
I see the Weller have automatic shut off
that is really very good to have, in case you forget
and when it happens, your tip is worthless
auto shut off gives at least one point
where are you located?
I'm in NY. I will shop around a bit and see if I find something reasonable
Prefer Hakko FX888 when in US for price to performance ratio and abundant spares sources. Also a much better tray than the 51. Too expensive in Europe unfortunately, steps in ERSA Icon Nano and OKI Metcal PS-900 territory. New Weller models don't seem to build a good rep among experienced users lately.
New Weller models don't seem to build a good rep among experienced users lately.
That's sad. I've had my Weller analog soldering station for about a decade now and it's quite nice. Back in the early '90s I used dual Weller stations - through hole and SMD, as well as Metcal.
From a usability perspective of a production line worker, the Weller was much better. Those that could afford to mess with all the Metcal tips (Eng. techs and Engineers) they greatly liked them. But I found they didn't handle some tasks as well as a basic Weller soldering station.
Still a sad day when Weller drops the ball...
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