Hey all! I am in the market for a new soldering station. Any recommendations? I preferably want one with adjustable heat! -Luke
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Weller is the brand. Big name in soldering equipment. My dad always used Weller ironsWhat’s a weller station??
Yea. Heres the one I got. Basic but gets the job done and does a good job.Weller is the brand. Big name in soldering equipment. My dad always used Weller irons
That looks like it has a bit bigger wand than mine, like it can take the bigger tips. Greywolf hooked me up with a bigger sleeve and tip for mine, so hopefully I'll have an easier time soldering bigger gauge stuff.I've been using an older YiHua 936 model for the past seven years. A cheap copy of the Hakko? Um, probably yes.
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If it dies, I'd get another one. It has served me well (after getting a larger tip). I just searched and couldn't find any like I have, but seen they have a newer version of it out now...
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Yeah, the smaller tips will probably fall through that barrelJust for peoples info, Youll still need the smaller barrel for using the smaller tips even if they are hakko brand tips.
+1. Buy once cry once. I bought mine in 2016 and works great (knock on wood). You can get replacement/extra tips, plenty of power and heat.I have the Hakko FX 888D and love it.View attachment 162145
Do you have the larger barrel for your 862D+? It's a game changer, and I wish I had known about them before now. If @Greywolf hadn't hooked me up with it I'd have been looking for a bigger iron to do larger stuff.The Hakko and Xytronics stations are the standard of the industry. I have used them and, if taken care of, will last you for decades. The Weller is older tech and often not enough power - I have abandoned using mine. The great news is that there are great inexpensive choices today.
The solder -desolder station is desirable for taking apart circuits and such but prob not needed. That said, the one Wicked Fog showed is amazing. I have one. bought it to have a spare for a new electronics desk. It works great and I have been using it as my primary tool for 5+ years. use the heat gun rarely.
about 10 years ago, I got into racing and building 1/24 slot cars and you do a lot of soldering in the retro car divisions. One of the race suppliers - give credit to Rick Bennardo of RGEO products - suggested a cheap adjustable pencil to use at least for travel in my kit. the heat adjustment knob looked small and weak but I have had no trouble. link here:
https://www.amazon.com/LDK-Soldering-Adjustable-Temperature-Replacement/dp/B083L8BXRC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=soldering+pencil&qid=1679751520&sr=8-5&th=1
I have soldered fluxed stainless wire as well as circuit and motor wires with it and have noticed no difference from my expensive stations. I put it to the test as my only iron for slot car building and racing for 6 years at home and at races and it never failed.
BUT - you need good tips. it seems all these devices have good heat elements and the control circuits work well if not abused. heat transfer IS the key. tips on cheap irons fail rapidly or don't tin properly. On all the less expensive items, order HAKKO brand tips in the size you need. above advice on width is on point. 4-6mm is what I use most. 1.5 - 2 for circuits.
So, what do I know. - 35 years of various hobbies inc RC racing, model warship combat, slot cars, oh and building my own radio gear and emergency grab and go kits for ARES as an Amateur radio operator - a lot of soldering.
Hope this helps. Have fun whatever you decide.