Impressions of the Yihua 939D+ / X-Tronic Model #3020-XTS

[shaunakde]

I have been using a basic $5 soldering iron for far too long. Recently while putting together a little Altoid-tin amp for a friend, I managed to burn my desk and decided I needed a proper iron, and more importantly a stand.

I earmarked up to $100 for the station, but I really didn't like the user interface of the Hakko 888D. (You have to set the temperature digit by digit etc.) Scrolling around I found a couple options on Amazon:
1. Yihua 939D+ Digital Soldering Station: Costs about $50 and seems to have all the bells and whistles I'd need (A PID loop etc) but I am unsure if the device is safe to use.
2. X-Tronic Model #3020-XTS: Had never heard of this brand, but seems to be a US company with a warranty and a number I could call (although I suspect the unit itself is a white-labelled version of this one). Can't find any ratings like a UL listing though. Was wondering if anyone had an experience with this brand? Is it easy to find replacement tips? The company's website seems to be going through a renovation right now.

The last option is the Weller WE1010NA. Although its a bit more expensive, I'd know its safe (I think) and have support. It comes with a god-awful stand that I'd want to replace down the line though. (Suggestions welcome!)

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[bobcat2000]

Have you gotten the Yihua 939D+?

I too am looking for a new unit to replace my aging Weller and Radio Shack.  I have these for like forever.  I need to replace the tips but they want an arm and a leg for the tips.  What a ripoff.  Not a bargain

I have a Radio Shack 64-2067a.  I think this is 30W.  I find it way too hot for me.
So, I have another Radio Shack 64-2051a.  This is 15W.  But it is not hot enough.
I have a Weller SP23L.  It is 25W.  This one is perfect for me. 

The Yihua was $40 on sale a week ago, and came with extra tips and accessories.  This is a bargain!

[bobbydazzler]

I have a wep 926 which I think uses the same iron/tips as the 939 and I find it pretty good for the price, tips are very cheap so you don't have to worry about babying your tip like you do with a fixed output iron.  Temperature control is also very useful for reducing stress on the tip - I usually set it between 320c and 350c depending on the tip I'm using and the iron can happily sit at those temps for quiet a while before you see any signs of oxidization.  Any higher than 350c and the tip starts to oxidize pretty fast.
My 926 is supposed to be a 60w station but it pulls over 100w from the wall when you first turn it on and it's heating up so heat up time is pretty fast.