a newbie question about soldering station
a newbie question about soldering station
(OP)
I am newbie electronic hobbyist. Actually, I am working in software. But, recently I got drawn into electronics design. I decided to buy my own soldering station. I checked a few review sites. Most of them recommends either Weller or Hakko. such as this Hakko soldering station Hakko fx888 is the model I am looking into. It has very positive amazon reviews too. But, I asked a couple of my friends in hardware companies. For some reason, none of them know this brand... Most of them recommend me Weller. What is your experience? Is Hakko fx888 OK? I expect to work on discreet component most of the time and occasionally surface mount. Thank you very much.





RE: a newbie question about soldering station
But it seems quite OK. You will need a somewhat higher temperature than before (RoHS lead-free tin) and the Hakko covers that.
The "heart up" time is OK (should be "heat up" - why do they not change that? and I like the possibility to pass-word protect temperature setting. Nice feature.
Why don't I and other engineers know about the Hakko? Probably because we don't shop for soldering stations very often. And when we do, we reach for Weller (or perhaps Ersa). It is like asking about a DMM. Most guys say Fluke - without thinking. Even if there are around a dozen DMMs that are better than Fluke.
I will surely buy one Hakko, it looks very much OK to me. And I need a couple of soldering stations. Thanks for the tip.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
But a main argument for me for choosing Weller is that you'll get replacement tips and other accessories EVERYWHERE.
Benta.
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
85 different tips are available for these irons. By the way, I also have a Weller iron, the 100 watt 240 volt temperature controlled unit, ideal for working on the car electrics.
Another good make is the Goot, these are similar to the Hakko.
Ray.
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
You learn a lot on EngTips.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
We have a bunch of the FX888 units and a bunch of the older FP-102 units.. A vacuum desoldering tool and some Fx-601 pencil irons for the tough stuff and have never had a problem in 7+ years.. Just routine tip replacement.
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
Not familiar with Hakko. Something to look at in future.
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
At work we've been using Metcal soldering stations. They have worked well.
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
If you want to go the RF route, MetCal can't be beat... love mine, but you'll pay a premium for it compared to resistive types.
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
Max, what extra you pay for the OKI/MetCal is gained back in quality/efficiency. I don't have to swap out tips to go from small work to large, as the RF is able to keep the heat output up and pour heat into a thick wire (within reason, of course). Speed assembly and rework.
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
RE: a newbie question about soldering station
Steve