The Best Soldering Iron

[PokemonCookies]

Would it be better to buy new or is it fairly safe to buy a used iron?

[KJDS]

The best?

Ersa or Pace, though they are both so expensive that it's rare to encounter them outside of a well equipped business. Don't expect cheap running costs either.I've not used either for a few years.

Below that are JBC, then Metcal, though there are some applications where I prefer Metcal to JBC.

Then there are Weller, and Hakko, and Aoyue, and Antex and a miriad of others that will all make a joint if you know how to use them.

Remember that each manufacturer makes more than one iron. Each iron type has different tips. You need to ensure that there are tips small enough for the small jobs you want to do, as well as big enough tips for the big stuff. Keep your tips clean, as you turn it off after use melt some mroe solder onto it, that will prevent corrosion and keep some on there all the time. A good solderer will make a far better joint with a cheap iron than a bad one will with an expensive iron.

[netdudeuk]

I started soldering forty years ago and still use a small 17 watt handheld Antex iron.

I recently took Dave's advice and moved to 0.5mm PB solder. I've also started using a flux pen.

I love to watch videos of the pros soldering SMDs etc.

I keep looking at the FX-888D but in the UK it costs about £130 which is way more than the US price.

Someone else mentioned the Atten AT8586 which costs literally half that amount.  I just wonder if there's a genuine advantage to spending all that money on the Hakko when compared with the Atten.  You also get hot air in there as well.  So, in practical terms, why would anyone buy the Hakko ?

I'm pretty satisfied with my existing joints but would like to give SMDs a go.  I already do fairly fine work which I'm pleased enough with.  Does using a station really make for better results ?

If you could only buy one or two extra tips for the Hakko, for working on through hole and SMD, which bits would you buy ?

Thanks

[kc9kuh]

Weller has worked really well for me

[madires]

I can't believe nobody has mentioned ERSA before but then I googled it and ERSA does not seem as popular or available around the world?!

I'm a happy ERSA user (i-CON and some old Multitip irons)! Since Weller was mentioned several times I like to add that ERSA is a little bit less expensive than Weller. I used soldering irons and stations from both for 20+ years and I clearly prefer ERSA.

[con-f-use]

I used soldering irons and stations from both for 20+ years and I clearly prefer ERSA.

Why? (I have no preference but just bought a Weller and want to know if I'll regret it).

[KJDS]

I used soldering irons and stations from both for 20+ years and I clearly prefer ERSA.

Why? (I have no preference but just bought a Weller and want to know if I'll regret it).

It'll almost certainly do a reasonable job so long as you have the right tip. I don't much like the size and shape of Wellers and how it fits in the hand,  and I've never found one that is any good for very small SMT work but for general hobbiest use they are fine.

[madires]

I used soldering irons and stations from both for 20+ years and I clearly prefer ERSA.

Why? (I have no preference but just bought a Weller and want to know if I'll regret it).

I don't think you'll regret it. Most labs over here had the Weller Magnastat soldering stations and they were very robust and reliable. But the soldering joints done at home with a simple ERSA Multitip iron were nicer and more precise. The Magnastat was like using a screwdriver two numbers too large for the screw. Still everyone tried to convince me to buy a Weller for home. That's what has driven me to ERSA.

[kodai]

IMHO, a used, but genuine Hakko FX-951 with sleeper stand offers the best value for those in the U.S.  It doesn't matter if the included wand is an older 2027 or the newer 2028. They both work the same, but the 2028 doesn't have the LED ring that's on the 2027 (which the 951 doesn't make use of anyway).  If taken care of, the tip cartridges can last a decade in a maker/hobby environment.  Small footprint, simple to use, built like a tank.  On average the used price for a genuine station is about $150.00.  A new station goes for about $250.00.  But at that price I would consider a JBC instead.

[simpson]

The Weller WES51 works fine for me.

[tszaboo]

Would it be better to buy new or is it fairly safe to buy a used iron?

Buying a new station is probably OK, they are usually very robust. But the iron? I dont think so. Nobody knows the status of the heating element, and how it was abused, it can fail 1 week after you buy it, and then you spent two times the money. Maybe if you know the source, and you can try it before, but I would think twice.


I did not had any problem soldering with Weller so far, even 0.5mm pitch is just a matter of magnification. The only bad equipment from weller so far is the WMRT tweezers. They brake too easily.

[AndreaEl]

My first and only soldering station is a RS DS80.
A not bad soldering station but in my opinion the price are very high for the quality. Only the tip are very economic, but not very good quality.

It's my first soldering station and i cant compare to other, but i think that Hakko FX888 / FX888D are a lot better and lower price (outside EU  )

[cavlovic]

I have been in the market for a new high quality soldering station for the last 5-6 months. I've done a great amount of reading since I have never owned a high quality soldering station, and don't have first hand experience. I only used 2-1 reworking chinese stations and some Hakko clones.

There are a few that are price-wise and quality-wise at the top of the market: JBC, Weller, Metcal, Ersa, Hakko, and a few others, but not quite as easy to procure as the ones mentioned. They are all high quality brands, and have quite a few models. Between them there are pros and cons, which basically come down to: tip price, handle size, thermal recovery, handle cable length and flexibility, unit price - given that sole unit will not break and give up on you.

JBC is best in my opinion, but do not trust it as much as others' who used some of those systems. JBC has best thermal recovery, great and fast sleep system, small and light handle(s), long and flexible handle cables, great looking unit. Out of all advantages I would emphasize thermal recovery. On the other hand, tips are quite expensive, but they claim they last long and with instant sleep mode they will last even longer.

You should also count in different regions. Some of these manufacturers are present and widely available in some regions, while they may not be in others. Also, prices vary a lot with regions, that's also one of the reasons why some are more popular in Europe, and others in USA.

There is also one geeky thing about JBC: 0-300c in 2 seconds  Don't you just love number wars

[cavlovic]

My first and only soldering station is a RS DS80.
A not bad soldering station but in my opinion the price are very high for the quality. Only the tip are very economic, but not very good quality.

It's my first soldering station and i cant compare to other, but i think that Hakko FX888 / FX888D are a lot better and lower price (outside EU  )

You can get Hakko FX-888 (analog version - which I prefer because of fast temp change) for about 80 EUR shipped anywhere in the world. - http://dx.com/p/hanko-fx-888-70w-soldering-station-ac-220v-126505

That is pretty cheap. You can also contact iloveelectronics in this forum for price quote. He has good deals and is very professional. I don't know him, just saying this on previous from buying from him.

[staxquad]

Hello im a begginer too and actually i just bought the  hakko fx 888D (it should arrive tomorrow)

i went for the hakko for 2 reasons,

1.- I couldnt find the analog 888

2.- I love its looks, color scheme and i actually find the display quite usefull, even if i lose the analog control (i dont change temps that often)

Point 2 is important if you are like me that forgets when the soldering iron its turned on or not, or if you want a clear and shinny notification about when its the iron ready to solder,

The WES51 is analog and i see it everywhere at my school so im sick of it, it works great but i actually hate the washed out colors and its seems to use at least 2 times more space than the 888D, however as i said, analog is a big plus, if you solder a lot and keep changing the temps often

I finally decided for the hakko 888D because i love its fishers price colors and i actually feel alive when i see it


Also you must consider that if i am not wrong the WES51 is at least 10 years old, while the hakko fx888D just came out that could be good or bad depending on how you see it

Theres is an old discussion i readed many times in this same forums talking about it

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/weller-wes51-digital-soldering-station-vs-hakko-fx888-soldering-station/

but in short most of them agree than function > looks (including digital display), however in those times there were still plenty of Analog 888s around, now its actually rare to see one

Im quite sure any of the 2 of them are going to be a wise investment so just go for the one you like the most or the one that you find more usefull

Hakko FX-888
31 in stock

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/hakko-fx-888-esd-safe-soldering-station-w-65-watt-soldering-iron-tip/p/476-185


blue and yellow make green which is the eco friendly color for led free soldering stations

[AndreaEl]

My first and only soldering station is a RS DS80.
A not bad soldering station but in my opinion the price are very high for the quality. Only the tip are very economic, but not very good quality.

It's my first soldering station and i cant compare to other, but i think that Hakko FX888 / FX888D are a lot better and lower price (outside EU  )

You can get Hakko FX-888 (analog version - which I prefer because of fast temp change) for about 80 EUR shipped anywhere in the world. - http://dx.com/p/hanko-fx-888-70w-soldering-station-ac-220v-126505

That is pretty cheap. You can also contact iloveelectronics in this forum for price quote. He has good deals and is very professional. I don't know him, just saying this on previous from buying from him.

Yes, i have read about DX.com and i see that FX888 Chinese market version are not the same as Export version. It not have the microcontroller and it's totally analog.
And must add the import tax, that in italy are more or less 25€ for this item.

About iloveelectronics thank to tell me, maybe in future i can contact him.

[maros]

For those who are thinking about new soldering iron, I'd strongly recommend Weller. These are really worth their price. Once you get Weller in your hand you never come back to heavy, stiff cord, cheap Chinese soldering irons.

There also a solution to make your own decent soldering station from only a PID controller and a power supply.

[zoomtronic]

For those who are thinking about new soldering iron, I'd strongly recommend Weller. These are really worth their price. Once you get Weller in your hand you never come back to heavy, stiff cord, cheap Chinese soldering irons.

There also a solution to make your own decent soldering station from only a PID controller and a power supply.

I agree, but  its worth trying an Ersa soldering irons. I know lot of professionals who does use it, and all of them have nice words.
Not saying that Weller is bad, or inferior compared to Ersa, its just matter of choice. I had Weller previously, couple of them, but once i saw how Ersa is doing its thing, i just switch over to it.

[tsmith35]

I have a Weller WES51 that I've used for many years. I also have a Hakko FM-203 that I love, but I'd be perfectly happy with the Hakko FX-951 if I didn't swap tip types so often (useful for stripping parts off of boards).

The WES51 is solid as a rock. Heats fast, holds temps stable, and easy to use. Very durable, as well, though I prefer using a metal "brillo-pad" cleaner over the sponge.

[Khashoggi]

Wes51

Works great. Heats fast.

I've seen many prototype production facilities using them and they are clearly workhorses...

[Electro Fan]

+1 for Weller WESD51

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/solder/wesd51.htm?gclid=CICY1a_uiLoCFZE7Mgodww8AWw

[robbag]

Hakko fx-888 all the way if you can manage to get the analog version at a reasonable price. Bit hefty here in Australia though. I find the analog pot really useful for quick temperature adjustments.

[herctrap]

hakko fx-888

[hedgewallace]

At work, i use my bosses Atten AT937b. I have been using it for around a year so far, and haven't had anything wrong with it. If your looking for a cheap soldering station under $50, with many features, and can warm up very quickly, i would recommend it to anyone.
I asked my boss if he likes it, and he said he does.
I imagine it wouldn't last as long as a fx-888, but it's very cheap!

I'm also looking for a new soldering station, after my almost new cheap soldering iron decided not to work again! (i recieved it as a present)
I'm thinking about a Hakko fx-888, seeing that Dave and many others like it. But it's a little out of my price range!
I'm thinking about a Atten AT937b, seeing my boss likes his.

[HamiltonHipster]

I've been counting up (to this point) how many recommendations for which iron;
All prices in USD.

Hakko FX888D: $100 or so
10 recommendations
Goat zero simply loves the Blue/Yellow colour scheme

Weller WES51: $100 or so
7 recommendations

Hakko 951: $262.77 according to Hakko's website (Thanks Nanofrog )
2 recommendations

(below from here = 1 recommendation)
Hakko FM-203: $550
Weller WTCPT: $150 or so
Pace ST50:  Dunno, about $200
Aoyue 936: $40
Aoyue 9378: $80
Atten AT-8586: $80
Atten AT-937B: $40

You can't really judge by price i guess. Seems the Hakko 888 is the winner when it comes to recommendations.

Hmm. I honestly find the sky blue colour of Weller has a calming effect when soldering...