Soldering station starter kit

[tech2400]

hi there guys, im a noob here. ive been doing some research and looking to get into light SMD work, mostly repairing DJ equipment such as broken USB ports etc. i was bidding on a Hakko 850M V12 desoldering station and won it for $99, also currently bidding on a Hakko Fx888D soldering station. do you guys think i made the right choices for the SMD tools, any input would be nice, thank you.
Jasko - Audi technician

[RedOctobyr]

I have a Hakko FX888 (non-D, just a dial for setting temperatures), for general soldering work. I typically use it for bigger, simple stuff (soldering connectors onto 10AWG wire, etc).

But I have used it for a bit of circuit-board work, using a very-small tip. I was able to do what I needed on the boards, but I have no context for how well-suited it is to that, vs other tools.

I've been very happy with it, however, in the context of what I use it for. Maybe look at the tips available and see if they'd suit what you have in mind.

[GreyWoolfe]

I have a 936, which is the 888's predecessor.  I have a SMD tip for it and I was able to solder 0402 resistors to a practice board.  If you are young and have good eyesight, both are against me, you should do just fine with the FX-888D.  Get a variety of tips, real deal Hakko not the cheap eBay fakes, and you should do well.

[suicidaleggroll]

I have a Hakko 936 at home and an FM-203 at work.  Both perform just fine for SMD work with the right tip.  As GreyWoolfe said, make sure you get the genuine tips, not the eBay knockoffs.