Best T12 handle?

[throbscottle]

I've reached the limit of what my old Hakko iron and home-made controller can do, trying to repair a laptop mobo, 0603 capacitors on heavy copper in limited space are just too much for it.

So I've decided to get one of those T12 clones since they are fairly cheap.

i'm seeing a lot of different styles of handles. Is the orginal Hakko type handle still the best, or is it better to get one of the newer slimline types? And what about the ones with built in controller - any good?

[aeg]

You should probably (also?) get a preheater if you don't already have one, it will help no matter what iron you're using.

[elektryk]

If you lack power, better choose the T245.

[throbscottle]

Well you got me looking - wow there are some insanely powerful irons out there! But I do have a hot air tool so that can act as a pre-heater, and a hot plate that gets very hot - is actually meant for desoldering though it takes a long time, and an ancient 100W Weller firestick that glows red...

So anyway, the T245/C245 gear looks very nice, though budget is King unfortunately and I think the T12 stuff can be done for least ££££. Soldering tweezers are also in the margin of my shopping list so also any suggestions re those?

[throbscottle]

In case anyone is interested, I got a OSS Team T245 iron & controller (cheapest version!) - very happy with it, fixed the mobo, though the iron is a bit on the chunky side for this it's certainly powerful enough!

[thm_w]

In case anyone is interested, I got a OSS Team T245 iron & controller (cheapest version!) - very happy with it, fixed the mobo, though the iron is a bit on the chunky side for this it's certainly powerful enough!

The station might support T210 and T115, which are smaller handles, can't tell from the listing.

[elektryk]

OSS T245 comes without "foam grip", I think it's nice to add it.

[throbscottle]

Not had any issues with the grip, it's very comfortable to use. Though perhaps a silicone sleeve might enhance it slightly, I wouldn't want foam.