General > Buy/Sell/Wanted

WTB: Beginner soldering station

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Capacitor:
I'm a student who has been a hardware enthusiast for a while now and I've gone through plenty of cheapo $10 pen-style soldering guns and am now looking for a station.

Only thing I require is that it's variable temperature and works. Cosmetics do not bother me one bit. If you have an old station you'd be willing to sale, please send me a PM. Oh and a station that has a wide availability of replacement tips would be greatly useful.

I live in the states.

Thanks!

Shock:
What is your budget?  You can set your country in your profile.

At the cheap end of town you can buy new between $15 to $100 from a Hakko 936 clone (Yihua 936 $15), Hakko rework station clone (Atten 8586 $80), to a genuine entry level Hakko (FX888D $95) or Weller (Weller WES51 $90). Atten do a stand alone rework station (858D $70).

Personally I would buy new they are so cheap now. As Hakko clones are prolific on eBay arguably they are the ultra cheap way to go and tips are about $1 each in packs.  The more money you spend on your station the more the tips seem to cost.

B+D Shop:
If Hakko becomes your quest we will have a Group Buy on some of the more popular irons and stations coming soon, being announced the end of the week for the entire forum. I am not saying that Hakko is THE station for your budget you need to decide that with the help of the other members, although they are very good. Just saying if you decide, and before you buy, wait a few days for the specials so you don't miss them.

Enjoy the hunt!

Dean

nanofrog:
Given you're in the US, you'll have an easier time of it due to better prices on name brand stations here (there are small details that make a difference between the knock-offs & the real thing, including reliability).

For example, a Hakko FX-888D can be had for under $100USD, including shipping, when a relatively similar Chinese made station can cost $80. Not much cost difference, so getting the Hakko makes better sense. Hakko also makes better tips than the knock-offs (thicker plating on the Hakko's = last longer).

Stepping up to a better station is also more feasible in the US.

So the question is, what's your budget?  ;D

Capacitor:
Thanks for the replies, guys.

I'm not in a real hurry to buy one, but I'd like to have a station that will last me a while. Quite frankly, I'm tired of throwing away irons due to poor build quality.

My current budget is in the $75 dollar range at the moment, but considering I could get a hakko for a bit more, I think I'll opt for that. I'd like to avoid chinese knock-offs if possible.

Edit: I just took a look at the Atten 8586 based on your recommendation Shock, and the rework gun looks extremely tempting! Of course, the other issue with raising your budget is the increase in options. :scared:

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