Well, after building the best C8 that I’ve ever built…my soldering iron fell apart :person_facepalming: So…needless to say, I’m in need of some suggestions for a new one.
I must say, as cheap as it is, I’ve had great luck with this station under a different brand name.
One caveat: You will need to buy a chisel tip as it only comes with the fine point tip. (Fine for adding 7135’s but not suited for general soldering.
Oh and it takes a little time to heat up. I fire it up about 10 minutes beforehand.
I like my Weller WSD81 heats up in 20 seconds, very powerful heat regulation with 80W heat element
Hm… I should probably get a new iron too.
I’m using a 40w Radio Shack soldering iron that’s 25 years old. It doesn’t even have an on-off switch. I have to unplug it when not in use.
Huh. Old Lumens is the #1 review for that soldering station. Small world.
That is a good one! I was lent this same model when I was out of town on a job and was totally impressed with it! :+1: But alas I love my Hakko! 
I’ll chime in with praise for the Hakko FX-888D. I treated myself two years ago after going through a handful of cheapie adjustable pencil irons. I still get excited when I need to fire up the Hakko.
I am certainly not a power-user, but it heats up quickly and maintains temperature very well. It has a slightly cushioned grip, and the cord to the iron is very supple and flexible.
It seems the price of the FX-888D has gone up quite a bit since I bought one. I’ve heard mixed reviews about inexpensive clones of the Hakko line but I have no experience with them.
I recently picked up this one. It’s been great. Because of all the praise I’ve heard about Hakko tips, I also pick up this one at the and time. Great combo.
I bought this one after using a cheap 30W iron for a long time. I believe it is a clone of a Hakko, and takes Hakko tips. Temperature regulation seems to work well and it heats up in about 30 seconds. Would recommend.
+1,000,000 
I bought the same one also from HobbyKing about 20 months ago following RMM/Richard's recommendation, & have been Very happy with its performance, reliability,
& that I can buy a huge range of good quality compatible tips at a Very low price (I buy them from Banggood).
Best Regards,
George
I’m loving my Hakko FX-888D. I have an assortment of tips. I also purchased a spare heating element for the pencil just in case.
That is a very nice workshop atbglenn :+1: .
Thanks 
Dang hope nothing burned?
Lol I used a hakko clone and at a certain point the supermarket Lidl sold simple soldering irons that had brass tips to screw in
It looked sturdy (and I have good experience with Lidl tools it is a reason to go there) and just €8
Takes a little longer to heat up but yeah very happy except that there is no light on it indicate on.
Last week they had one for €13 with a switch and knob to set temp
Default with small chisel like tips that screwed in the top but I brought a brass tip and it was compatible. So bought it, heats up faster and really like it.
Next time they sell it I will post it in deal topic
I also have that one from Lidl with a switch and a knob. Very nice unit. I made replacement tip from a 4mm copper rod.
I got this one also, after many positive posts about it. It performs well, in my opinion.
I’m more interested in hearing about the C8
I have this on the fast boat:
I appreciate portability.
Cheers ^:)
My advise is to go high watts. 80 or more. I’m running a 90watt station now. It melts solder 3sec after start up. And there is no temperature sag which means I can solder more consistently at lower temperatures.
Which station is that? I’m running a temperature controlled 100 watt Weller iron for the tough stuff like soldering to metal chassis, etc.
