Ok, so I know that this topic has been beat to death on here but, I need just a little more push before I pull the trigger. I’ve been using a cheapie dual heat “station” from Radio Shack for the last 8 years or so. Needless to say, it’s wore out! Need a replacement but don’t want to spend much money. I’ve got enough other hobbies that I can’t let my urge to modify everything electrical I see take over too much
So what do you guys think between the following choices:
I would get the Aoyue 936. Mine is nearly seven years old, still works great. Also, I prefer analogue control and it’s nice to have the power switch on the front.
I’ve been watching the hakko clone at Hobby King for a couple of weeks and it seems to stay on backorder. Does anybody know how often they get more in?
They use to get them in about once a month or a little less back when i purchased mine several months ago. It may not be the same way now. I remember someone finding them at another place for close to the same price. I just dont know who or where that was, maybe someone has kept up to date with the place to buy from at a cheap price.
You might have a look at this thread and get some ideas. The coupon code WA401 worked when i just tried, brought the total to $29.48 shipped.
If I were going to design one, it would hopefully look and function something along the lines of this. Has the unusual name of Tropical Marine or TMC, but the reviews I have read have been positive. There are spares and consumables readily available. In terms of intuitive operation, this human interface appears to be everything the Hakko FX-888D is not. I have no connection with it. US seller.
Same happened to me. I put in a request to be notified when they are in stock. That's how I got mine.
I've been using it for several months with no issues.
The name brand ones are very nice, but you'll be paying for it. I would say go for it if you can, otherwise the clone version is suitable for my needs.
I’m so tempted to go ahead and either order the Aoyue on Ebay or the Tenma 60W digital from MCM. But I know that it’s such a better deal to wait for the clone at Hobby King to come back in stock. HELP…SOMEBODY PLEASE TALK ME OUT OF IT!!! :weary:
You might want to check any Radio Shack locations around you for the Pro-Line 70w soldering station. It’s been on clearance at most locations, and some have even found it for about $15. It has digital temperature control and is supposed to be compatible with Hakko 900 series tips. There are a few threads on SlickDeals about this item, as well as other forums.
I checked 4 different locations and finally found a store that had one unit in stock for $30. Not as low as what others have been getting it for, but it’s still a great deal, IMHO.
Ok, so I’ve decided that I’m tired of waiting for the Hobby King special to come back in stock. I’ve got projects I can’t finish with my worn out old Radio Shack cheapie station. So, I’ve decided I’m either going to order the Aoyue or the digital at MCM. Both will be around $50 (Aoyue a tad cheaper, $4) so not much difference in price.
I have a brand new radioshack pro-line 70w soldering station I can sell you for $65 shipped to US address. Much better unit than those hakko knockoffs.
Thanks very much for the offer, but I can get that same station on Ebay for $55 shipped. I know these were clearanced out for $30 and I missed that deal. Is $65 the lowest you can go?