Killed my soldering workstation - Get another Weller, or a Hakko?

I think ouchy was talking about the digital Weller.

Edit: I think it has a toy-like appearance also :).

pretty much all the new hakkos look like that. They wanted to look different, I suppose.

If you want a decent name brand system I’d suggest either hakko or weller.

If you’re looking to do a lot of important soldering… You can get a used oki/metcal system for under $200 if you keep watching ebay. I’ve got a MFR2200 system myself.

ohaya. Hers how I looked at it. This is a big investment that you will have for years. When I had to decide between the older analog, or the new upgraded digital model, is the difference in money that much for something that I will be using for years. I know that months later, I would have been kicking myself for not getting the newer upgrade. Sometimes it is more frugal to pay a bit extra for a long term investment.

Understood, but no one has answered the question I asked in post #5?

I believe there have been other upgrades as well. I think the heating is much faster…0 to 700° in thirty seconds. I know I researched all over the place about the same things before I bought, but I can’t remember much anymore. Being in Canada I paid a lot more than what you can get it for, and I got a great price. I have no regrets.

Edit: It’s also really helpful when soldering something that initially absorbs a lot of heat. You can observe the tip temperature dropping and rising on the display.

Hi,

Thanks. BTW, the pic for both have one where the pencil tip is pointed at the front panel. Is that for the “wireless” thing, i.e., it senses the actual temperature from the pencil, but you have to bring the pencil up to the front panel?

See edit

No. That was just for artistic placement.

Yep, it show is :)

That does sound handy. I can tell that from my Aoyue when the heating LED stops pulsing and stays on.

Update: I swapped the older, previously-repaired pencil with the main station, and it’s working, so now I at least have a working setup.

So, this gives me time to consider and do some research.

I’m now considering the Weller WESD51 and, based on Chloe’s suggestion, and thinking about this Aouyue:

http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-9378-Programmable-Digital-Soldering/dp/B00BSW69LI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

That’s actually cheaper than the analog Weller WES51, and, it comes with 10 extra tips.

ruffles,

You mentioned that FT is carrying Hakko compatible tips? Do you have a link? According to the Amazon review, that Aouyue takes Hakko tips!

Thanks,
Jim

Also, forgot to mention: Looking at the blown pencil, there’s a black hole on the cord near where it goes into the pencil handle. I’m thinking either a short or maybe a thermofuse that blew :(.

+1… weller

Assuming this one works did I get a good deal?: http://www.ebay.com/itm/400529498599

:party:

Links: first two I’ve bought; second two I haven’t.
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1044600
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1058901

https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10000409/1188201-nickel-copper-angled-soldering-iron-tip
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004382/1333700-precision-soldering-iron-rod-tip

You lucky bugger. That’s a super deal.
Hey wait a minute. There’s no sponge!!!

It’s not sponge-worthy…

Forget the sponge!

I’ve been using a real Hakko 936 for the last few years, but picked up a couple of these for spares/gifts after they got good reviews over on RCGroups.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=19240

Pick up a set of cheap tips on eBay for ~$10

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Solder-Screwdriver-Iron-Tip-900M-T-for-Hakko-Soldering-Rework-Station-Tool-/130918220315

and your in business for about $35 total after shipping.

I don’t have a Weller or Hakko, so I can’t speak to them, but I’ve had a Aoyue 937+ for about six months and really like it. It seems to get good reviews on Amazon too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I30QBW/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1