The Best Soldering Iron

[bgsteiner]

So I am in the market for a new iron as I had to leave my good Weller at home to my dad before heading off to college. Most of my work will soon be in repairing audio equipment which can either have smd or through hole  for my university in the near future as well as regular work on hobby electronics. I also have to be able to use lead free solder on the audio equipment so an iron that can readily handle it as well as leaded is a must. I just wanted to get some input from the forums to see what the community has tried and get some feedback on models that I had lined up prospectively.

Here are some of the irons that I was considering.

Weller
http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WES51-Analog-Soldering-Station/dp/B000BRC2XU/

Hakko
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-FX888D-CHP170-bundle-cutter/dp/B00AWUFVY8/

Any other ideas are welcome, thanks.

[Fsck]

A JBC DD system.

pbfree isn't really a problem, basically every popular system can do pb and pbfree.

if, however, you're limited to the ~100$ mark, go with something like a JBC ad2700 or a metcal stss.

[cristoper]

If you want an even less inexpensive option which looks comparable to the Weller you linked to, I have an Aoyue 936 which I like (though I don't have much experience with different irons so I can't really offer a comparison review).

[GoatZero]

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

[juanfermed]

I have a Hakko FX888 and is the best tool I have bought. It has been with for about a year and half and it is working perfectly. It heats up as if it was new and the tip is still going strong (of course, the duration of the tip depends on the care you give it). So, in my opinion, get yourself a Hakko FX888, I got the analog version, it is beautiful. A friend of mine bought the digital version and I feel it works exactly the same.

[warmage]

i have a Hakko FX888 and Atten AT8586 , both are a big step up from what i used to work with.

i tend to use the Atten more, gives me better results, but i think my Hakko iron tip is to blame

get some good quality iron tips

[BobbyK]

I'll have to second the Hakko 888. Before I landed on that one (based on Dave's recommendation, actually) I went through a lot of lower quality (and cheaper) irons. Tips never lasted more than a year - and almost always less than 3 months. I have had the Hakko for a year now, and the tip is almost new (and I'm not really kind to tips either). The iron itself is awesome, and the cable connecting the base to the iron is a pure pleasure to work with, it is soft and won't ever tangle up. Since buying the Hakko (I have the analog one) I actually look forward to soldering, and not just because of the fumes!   

[ZeroStatic]

We have heaps of hakko irons, they last for years and are easy to use and the genuine tips have a great lifespan.
Beware of fake hakko tips, they are often junk.

My 2c opinion.

[mjrandle]

The FX-888 may not be the best soldering iron on the market, but it's a great little unit and is excellent value if you are in North America, but not as well priced in rest of world.  I've got one at work and one at home.


Cheers,

Mike

[TNb]

FX888D is a very good one,  I wouldn't say it's best, but for it's money it is great, especially for your purposes.
You can also look for other Hakkos, not much different, but maybe you will find something that feels better for you.

[z3bb0]

I've used the weller WES51 and it's good for what I could tell, the people that owned the thing had been using serveral of them for over a decade.

[HamiltonHipster]

  I have a Weller WTCPT, (european 230V version) and it's a pretty dang good iron. It does a good soldering job and it feels like it will last. Perhaps a little on the expensive side, but my workshop teacher swears by them.

  Or maybe thats just all the money it cost talking 

Amazon, 120V version:
http://www.amazon.com/WTCPT-Temperature-Controlled-Soldering-Station/dp/B00004W463/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1381147994&sr=1-1&keywords=weller+wtpct

[OhWhen]

I can't fault my Hakko FX888. I went with the analog version as nothing beats a good knob, but regardless, it has always been a pleasure to work with.

[geo_leeman]

I thoroughly enjoy my Hakko FX888D... My only complaint is the interface just isn't as easy as it should be.  You can't beat twisting an old-fashioned knob, but having the digital display is nice.  It actually displays the temperature of the iron, not the set point.  This lets you see if for some reason it's behaving oddly.  It heats up super fast as well.

[orbiter]

I use a Pace ST50 station with the TD-100 intelliheat handpiece. Been using it for well over a year now and it's performance has been great, like many
other good irons there's a tip to fit each job too.

[eendje]

Hi all,

I would go for a JBC if you have a chance, They are just marvelous, not heated when not needed but on temp when they are at you work

changing of tips on the fly.. great.

it's a bit more expensive but it is definitely  the best buy I had for my lab at home.

the tips are very expensive but they will last very long...

e.g. http://www.ebay.com/itm/JBC-Lotstation-Advanced-Professional-Soldering-Station-AD-2700-Lotkolben-SMD-/121185078413?pt=Schwei%C3%9F_L%C3%B6ttechnik&hash=item1c37318c8d

my two cents,

Bob

[con-f-use]

I'd go with Weller as they have incredible build quality and almost overengeneer their stuff. If you have the money buy the WD1 or WX1. Else go for the Aoyue Int9378 which is great as mere Iron. If you do HotAir and Desoldering as well, nothing beats the Aoyue Int2703A+ in terms of value for money (knock-off of the ). So much good stuff!

[nanofrog]

I'd go with Weller as they have incredible build quality and almost overengeneer their stuff. If you have the money buy the WD1 or WX1.

Weller of the past, I'd agree.

But the more recent stuff, not so much, as there's been a real dip in QC since at least 2006 (I own a WD1). Power board is Asian, not German (20% content or 'significant transformation' to meet 'Made in Germany" requirements).

So far, mine works well and I've not had any issues other than tip quality.

Others have however, and with multiple models. The WES/D51's have a high DOA rate, and the WX series were so bad initially, they had to be recalled. Tip quality is also all over the place (Plato offers equivalents for some of Weller's tips that could let you get around this particular issue, and I've started so see some Chinese equivalents <ordered a couple to try>).

Please understand, I'm not saying they're junk. But they're not what they once were, and given their pricing, don't offer much value as a result IMHO (i.e. I have as much in my WD1 + irons + stands <at discounted prices>, as a JBC Compact model as it turns out and the JBC performs better  ). Had I paid MSRP for everything, I'd have spent enough to get an Advanced station from JBC (modular config).

Tips for mine are cheaper as they're not AIO types (heater + sensor in the tips), which was important to me from a hobbyist perspective (wanted lower consumables costs). But even this depends on the cheaper tips lasting long enough for this to actually work.

YMMV of course, but I no longer automatically think of Weller as my go-to choice if I need soldering equipment as I once did.

[bgsteiner]

  I have a Weller WTCPT, (european 230V version) and it's a pretty dang good iron. It does a good soldering job and it feels like it will last. Perhaps a little on the expensive side, but my workshop teacher swears by them.

  Or maybe thats just all the money it cost talking 

Amazon, 120V version:
http://www.amazon.com/WTCPT-Temperature-Controlled-Soldering-Station/dp/B00004W463/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1381147994&sr=1-1&keywords=weller+wtpct

That is actually the unit I have been using for the past 18 years I have been alive but it was the one I had to leave behind.

[mtbolha]

Pay good money for soldering iron or you will regreat it. You must consider that you are buying something for many years, not for a month or two. If you devide all the money payed for it over the years it will serve you good, you will not pay big money for it.

I whould buy something cheap off ebay, just to have something.. for example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50w-Soldering-Station-Iron-Adjustable-Temperature-New-/370414838261?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item563e71e1f5

It will work if you need a fast solution, and then save up to buy a very good one... You will not regreat it.

If you buy something in the middle, you will allways be stuck with it, because if will be good enough not to discard it, but not good enough to satisfy your needs fully.

Also check prices for replacement tips and everything before buying "the good one"

[xstream]

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?!

[AG6QR]

I have an outdated Weller 921Z, which I'm very happy with, except for the fact that it was discontinued years ago, and tips are virtually unavailable for it these days.  Mine has served very well for about 15 years, but when my current tips die, I'll be shopping for a new iron.

My only recommendation out of this would be to consider tip availability as you do your shopping.  I'd only buy an iron that had a good assortment of tips available in my country.  That probably means buying a common, popular brand.  Shortly after I buy my next iron, I'll buy multiple tips to keep around, so that I'll never again be stuck with another good working iron which has no tips available.

[nanofrog]

I have an outdated Weller 921Z, which I'm very happy with, except for the fact that it was discontinued years ago, and tips are virtually unavailable for it these days.  Mine has served very well for about 15 years, but when my current tips die, I'll be shopping for a new iron.

My only recommendation out of this would be to consider tip availability as you do your shopping.  I'd only buy an iron that had a good assortment of tips available in my country.  That probably means buying a common, popular brand.  Shortly after I buy my next iron, I'll buy multiple tips to keep around, so that I'll never again be stuck with another good working iron which has no tips available.

Out of curiosity, what tips does that station use?

[AG6QR]

I have an outdated Weller 921Z, which I'm very happy with, except for the fact that it was discontinued years ago, and tips are virtually unavailable for it these days.  Mine has served very well for about 15 years, but when my current tips die, I'll be shopping for a new iron.

Out of curiosity, what tips does that station use?

9000 series.

[tszaboo]

I would buy that WES51. Anything above that price is only for convenience. You don't need stop and go, digital temperature feedback and all that fancy stuff for the normal use. The next step is a hot air, but that is a different budget.