I want to get a soldering station, I’m using cheap irons from walmart now. I will be modding flashlights and basic soldering nothing to crazy. Not everyday by any means.
I’ve narrowed it down to these 3 but am open to suggestions in the same price range I’d like some feedback on the 3 or any other recommendations. I want a 50+w station and a 24v iron, adjustable temp control. I live in the US so would prefer a US seller.
This is probably my #1 choice unless I’m talked out of it.
It’s less than $30 shipped so it’s hard not to buy that one!
The one from hobby king is often recommended here and will cover all your modding needs, just make sure to maintain the iron tip healthy with tip tinner and brass sponge, and don’t forget the extra tips!
I have the digital version of the Weller, the WESD51. It’s been reliable for 10 years. I did have to replace the pencil last year because the sensor failed. Not a big deal. I also have a Hakko FX-888D which sells for a little less than $100. It’s got a bit more power than the Weller. I find myself using the Hakko more than my Weller these days. It heats up a little faster. Plus the pencil has a replaceable heater/sensor assembly for $20 if it ever fails. BTW, I’ve been soldering professionally, and as a hobbyist for over 40 years.
Basically, if you take soldering seriously, The Weller or the Hakko will work fine. Remember, The Weller in your list doesn’t have a digital display while the Hakko does for around the same price. A word of caution, make sure if you end up buying the Hakko, it’s important that you buy it from an authorised dealer. There fakes out there!
I can’t comment on the cheaper soldering stations - maybe there are some bargains, but the Hakko is a major upgrade from unregulated soldering irons. Some days it’s really true - buy once, cry once.
edit - I can comment a little on that. 18sixfifty has one and it worked well for him, I’m sure others like it too. If your budget is small, there’s nothing wrong with that Yihua.
I can’t comment on the cheap Chinese soldering stations and irons since I’ve never owned one. All I can say is I’ve been a Weller user for over 40 years with no real issues with any or them. The two Hakko’s I’ve purchased in the last year have been very impressive, and I’m a picky SOB
I would love to have a station like atbglenn's above. I have cheap Hakko 900M clones and they work ok, but I hear those Weller's are winners.
I've soldered a whole bunch and have learned its mostly about tempature control. The Hakko T12's are supposed to be world class. I have ordered the following. You can buy complete units, but I'm cheap and plan on making mine also be a 24v power supply unit. If I understand correctly, these automatically turn off in the holding position (prolonging tip life) and then heat up almost instantly when picked up and have 72w of power to maintain the specified temp as needed. Really excited to put it together and try out. Just working on a ton of real life things that need to get done first.
Going with the hakko, atbglenn talked me into it! If your using both side by side and gravitate towards the hakko that’s about as good of a review I could ask for. Thanks for the suggestions guys!
Wise choice. I’m sure you’ll love it. The programming function works well once you get used to it. I set up some presets for mine that I normally use. The tips are on the expensive side, but they last a long time as long as you take care of them. I purchased a few different sizes made by Hakko from Home Depot. I had to order them since they don’t normally stock them. I haven’t tried any aftermarket tips for any of my soldering irons/stations to be honest, so I can’t comment on those.
