Beginner Tools Help - Australia

[jakeyflower]

hey guys i live in Australia, so Australian online stores preferred.

I need opinions on what soldering iron to get, I'm looking for a really slim pencil type something slim like that one.

what i plan to use it for is just soldering electronic kits together that i order, thanks guys any help is appreciated! 

the one in the image is from Weller Solder Station with WXP120 Soldering Iron
Part# WX1010, which i believe is USA only @110v but it also costs over $500 which i think is to much for a beginner and my needs.

[sub]

Hakko have this one for $100ish: http://au.element14.com/hakko/fx600/soldering-iron-adjustable-temp/dp/2114649

Though you'd be better off paying the extra $80 and getting an FX-888 to be honest.  The price difference will be less once you have a stand and such, and being the popular one it will probably have a lot more resale value if you choose not to stick with it.

I've never seen that iron in the wild, however---I jumped straight from a $15 piece of overheated steel to the FX-888.

[jakeyflower]

thanks, i'll take a look

EDIT: i can't find Australian Online Stores selling Hakko Soldering Stations, only USA and there 110v power

[sub]

EDIT: i can't find Australian Online Stores selling Hakko Soldering Stations, only USA and there 110v power

Farnell, the one with the knob for $172 ex-GST, http://au.element14.com/hakko/fx-888/soldering-station-fx-888/dp/171902101
Mektronics, The digital one for $160 ex-GST, http://www.mektronics.com.au/soldering-desoldering/hakko-stations-irons/hakko-fx888d-digital-soldering-station.html#.Ulkzi1CnoUs

I would recommend the first one, digital control is awful unless you're in production and just want to switch between presets.  Farnell's free-shipping threshold is $45 or similar.

[jakeyflower]

thanks so much man!

[sub]

No worries.  Farnell is probably your best choice for components in Australia, so they're worth remembering.

[jakeyflower]

farnell is element 14 correct? they ship from australia to yeah,

EDIT:had a look at element14, they only have 2 soldering irons with an AU plug rest are US and UK, not that big of a selection

[andtfoot]

farnell is element 14 correct? they ship from australia to yeah,

That's right, Farnell = Element14. I'm not sure where they ship from though.

Another source of the Hakko irons I know of are Wes Components and/or their retail arm Wagner.
There is Wagner store in Sydney (Ashfield).
I'm not sure what price they are selling them for.

[con-f-use]

If the input-voltage range matches up, just cut the cord and attach an Australian plug.

[jakeyflower]

thanks for all the help guys, y'all are awesome 

[geraldjhg]

hi
buy something like this
Weller TC201T REPLACEMENT SOLDERING PENCIL FOR WTCPT SOLDERING STATION
get a 24 vac 60w to power it and you have a relly good no electronics soldering pen
id also order some pta6 or pta7 tips


this method of controlling the temp is excellent
saludos