Hakko 888 vs 951

[jgore]

The Hakko 888 is seriously popular, but I was wondering what are the advantages of the 951 to warrant the higher price (about 260 vs 90 USD). The 951 looks more substantial and comes with a nicer holder. In addition to the unit's price, the tips are also 3x the price of the 888 tips.

Thanks

[PA4TIM]

There seem to be fake Hakkos.
The 888 is only as FX-888D on the Hakko site.
http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888d.html the fx-888D
http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx951.html

I would think, everything that is not according the data from Hakko self should ring some alarmbells. Sometimes they say it is old stock, and that is possible but if it is from ebay/china etc, and much cheaper there is a good change it is fake.

[amyk]

That's because the original FX-888 (with analogue control) was replaced by the 888D.

Plenty of 888 clones exist, since it's basically the old 936 in a different case.

[PA4TIM]

Build with the same parts and the same schematic ?
With the same quality parts ?

Or:
The schematic is loosly based on it ?
All parts are used on the edge of SOA ?
All "useless"parts are kept out ?

I got a copy of a Breitling Watch from my brother he bought in Thailand. It looked just like the Original but it was much cheaper. It lasted about 3 months.

[kodai]

The Hakko 888 is seriously popular, but I was wondering what are the advantages of the 951 to warrant the higher price (about 260 vs 90 USD). The 951 looks more substantial and comes with a nicer holder. In addition to the unit's price, the tips are also 3x the price of the 888 tips.

Thanks

The 951 has far greater thermal capacity compared to the 888.  With the correct geometry tip, a user can easily work with  larger thermal mass components.  Also the tip life (as well as electricity), can be saved due to the sleeper stand.  Its a great choice for small production/repair shops.  The 888 is really a great hobby iron or very limited rework shops.

[nanofrog]

I'd say the FX951 would also make a great hobbyist station as well, and is nicely priced in the US at least for what you get (lots of value). The added thermal capacity and additional features, such as the sleep stand, give a hobbyist more capabilities while reducing costs (namely tips due to longer lifespan).

It would certainly give an advantage on things like multilayered boards and large solder connectors vs. the venerable FX888/D IMHO. Preheater plate may be in order on multilayer boards, particularly when soldering over ground planes, regardless of the iron model or manufacturer.

[jgore]

Thanks. I meant the current Hakko models - not the knock-offs.  I have an Aoyue and keep running through tips.

I am a hobbyist, so the power consumption is not a big factor. The 951 tips would have to last a long time to make up for the price difference.

[nanofrog]

Thanks. I meant the current Hakko models - not the knock-offs.  I have an Aoyue and keep running through tips.

I am a hobbyist, so the power consumption is not a big factor. The 951 tips would have to last a long time to make up for the price difference.

Hakko's tips do last a long time when cared for properly (as in years).

[neslekkim]

as for hobbyist, something that you should consider is, how easy is it to swap tips?, I bought an 888d, but later replaced it with an jbc cd-2bb, and are finding myself swapping the tips a lot more than I thought before I bought it, I only wanted the omphf of jbc, but found that swapping tips while soldering is actually an usable feature even for hobbyists.
And, especially the powerup time, just turn it on, and its ready to solder. (not to hype the jbc, the fx951 is not far behind)

But, please buy original, the clones are very crappy, totally different electronics, I have tried that twice for 951.

[echen1024]

A JBC for only a little more might be a better option.

[zapta]

That's because the original FX-888 (with analogue control) was replaced by the 888D.

According to this page, the FX-888D is discontinued.

http://www.hakko.com/english/support/discontinued/

[Fsck]

That's because the original FX-888 (with analogue control) was replaced by the 888D.

According to this page, the FX-888D is discontinued.

http://www.hakko.com/english/support/discontinued/

I think you're looking at it wrong. the fx-888d is listed as the replacement for the fx-888, 936 and 937.

[echen1024]

That's because the original FX-888 (with analogue control) was replaced by the 888D.

According to this page, the FX-888D is discontinued.

http://www.hakko.com/english/support/discontinued/

The FX-888D is the digital controlled version, which replaces the FX-888 which replaces the 936.

[neslekkim]

A JBC for only a little more might be a better option.

And sofar, I havent seen clones of them, it's an killer solderstation, and for those who didn't see this:

[tsmith35]

A JBC for only a little more might be a better option.

Pricing depends on location. I think EU pricing between the two is pretty close, but US pricing on the JBCs is about $200 higher than for the FX-951, roughly a 70% increase.

[neslekkim]

A JBC for only a little more might be a better option.

Pricing depends on location. I think EU pricing between the two is pretty close, but US pricing on the JBCs is about $200 higher than for the FX-951, roughly a 70% increase.

ouch, we get hurt on Hakko pricing, and you on JBC pricing, hm, janelonline sells jbc for $423, kinda steep compared to the $250ish 951..  but, you buy it only once

[amyk]

Build with the same parts and the same schematic ?
With the same quality parts ?

Or:
The schematic is loosly based on it ?
All parts are used on the edge of SOA ?
All "useless"parts are kept out ?

I got a copy of a Breitling Watch from my brother he bought in Thailand. It looked just like the Original but it was much cheaper. It lasted about 3 months.

No, different - it's a simpler controller based on the same functionality. There are a few 936 clone reviews here, some have teardowns + schematics.

[BeerCannon]

I just received an FX-888D for Christmas and I'm very impressed with it.  One thing that I REALLY like is that the temperature control base is separate from the iron holder.  I wasn't sure if I liked that idea or not, but I am able to place the control base on a shelf and just keep the iron holder on my workbench.  In my setup, I find this makes my workspace just a bit less cluttered.  I was also surprised that the control base has as much weight as it does, it just feels well-built.  The iron is nice and lightweight, and the thing heats up so quickly.. maybe 30 seconds?  Very nice product.

[neslekkim]

and here, if you screwup, this is supposed to do an factory reset:
I got lost right away, instead of changing presets I managed to change calibration, and used some time to get it about as ok again.