Best soldering station advice

**hogwort** · 14-06-13, 06:24 PM

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a soldering station & would like some advice on which one to get. I'm a hobbiest & comfortable working with semi complex projects. Last one was Jaycars speed controller in which I used my Tech mates Scope. He's now moved interstate & I'm now ready for another project.
I'm on a tight budget, so a good second hand one or reasonably priced newey would do.Any advice appreciated.
Thanks all.

**mtv** · 14-06-13, 06:42 PM

Any of the Jaycar irons would be suitable for you.

If you can afford it, an ESD model might be useful, depending on the sensitivity of components/circuits you work with.

**TVguy** · 14-06-13, 08:00 PM

If your budget will strecth a bit, I highly recommend the Hakko FX888, currently on special at . I have only recently aquired one of these to use in conjunction with my trusty Hakko 936, and found it to be a great general purpose iron. A full range of tips and spare parts are readily available in Australia, and they are a well respected brand in the industry. This model is also available from in Ashfield.

**carjackma** · 14-06-13, 09:03 PM

I am by no means a professional but this is the one i use I like it because it has the smd rework tool. one of the others members can tell you if this is suitable for your needs.( I like it because elements tips etc are easy to get)

**Uncle Fester** · 14-06-13, 10:59 PM

+1 for the hot air combo for the price of only a soldering iron. It is also available on Ebay for a few dollars less.
I didn't realise how handy it is to have precisely regulated hot air until I bought it.
That said I usually use my Weller for normal soldering, so I don't know too much about longevity.
I have abused the hot air unit quite a bit, until smoke came out of it (by blocking the air flow) and it survived.
Not much can break on the soldering iron and spares bits seem available. Regulated is a must have. Every solder/flux has an ideal flow temperature and when tinning lacquered wire you need to quickly whack it up to 330 °C sometimes.

Of course it's a Chinese product so there is always a higher risk of a DOA. Brand name costs 3-10 time more.
I have found most Chinese sellers on Ebay have been very helpful lately if things do go wrong, so I have changed my attitude to Chinese products slightly. There are a few pearls in the ocean.

**Tom Mix** · 15-06-13, 06:47 PM

Micron solder station as sold by Altronics is tops for reliability & low price(about $100)- had mine for about 12 years- hasn't missed a beat- & tips readily available( I make my own from copper wire welded together with an oxy-acet torch, filed to shape & silver solder coat)- orders of magnitude more reliable than u-beaut combo's from China(yes- I also have them- so I know!)