Products > Test Equipment
first budget soldering station recommendations Q4 2022
eevnoob:
Hello, first post! I'm trying to find my first soldering station on a limited budget (approx $100 USD) to help get me started on (primarily) DIY electronics and EE study. I need the station to last at least several years of regular (not necessarily daily) use and work correctly out of the box (can't solder the innards to make it properly ESD safe/grounded). I also need it to have versatility, with a good range of fine/small tips to do primarily electronics work, but also the sustained horsepower to handle more heat intensive jobs when they arise.
Based on what I've read thus far, the following stations seem to represent the best value and reliability for around $100: Weller 1010NA ($90 at this time), Hakko FX888D ($110) and the Aixun T3A ($95). The less expensive "portable" type irons such as the Pinecil V2 are appealing, but I'm unsure the build quality is there, nor whether it could handle more heat intensive jobs. I've come across several good reviews on the Aixun, and it doesn't seem to have ESD/Safety issues out of the box, (unlike the KSGERs). Also the fact that it supports several different handle types (936, T12, T245) suggests great versatility, but I'm uncertain about the build quality lasting many years. A few less expensive offerings are on the market now as well: Yihua 948DB+-II, KSGER STC V2.3 and SEQURE MSS12 Pro, however I can't find any reviews.
I appreciate any advice as this is a very knowledge community, and I hope to start learning quickly!
[edit: got reassurances in the aixun t3a thread that it is safe out of the box]
[edit 2: learned about a few newer T12 stations that are supposedly safe and properly grounded]
Fungus:
Mine's a Hakko FX888D, it solders really nicely and has all the accessories but the user interface is awful. Mostly it just gets set to 350 degrees and left there because anything more than that is too much hassle.
(It's digital, what would it cost them to add one or two more buttons? :palm: )
I suspect the Weller is the same.
I don't know much about about the aixun but there's a thread here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/any-opinions-on-the-aixun-t3a/
Fungus:
PS: 2002? Have you got a time machine?
mariush:
Out of those 3, I'd go with the Hakko FX888
It uses slightly different tips than the old Hakko 936/ T12 tips but I think those old tips would also work. But the tips aren't that expensive : https://www.digikey.com/short/q89f99ph
I have seen several new soldering stations reviewed, some made by companies, some made sort of DYI or small projects.... but didn't keep track. I have a genuine Hakko 936 and an old Pace HW-50 but I use pretty much only the Hakko.
SDG Electronics has reviewed a bunch of them if you're interested to do some research, here's a playlist :
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZzwMlLVLdOBBz8pwjt9CJhEJFYVfHSH2
Also, as a tip, Farnell / Newark (different domains in different regions) sell some Atten soldering stations under their Tenma brand, so you get warranty and you get tips and all that by going through them.
If you want a Hakko 936 clone, they have a couple rebranded models.
For example, at $78 the Tenma 21-19750 : https://www.newark.com/tenma/21-19750/temperature-controlled-soldering/dp/59Y8179
.. the classic Hakko 936 with just potentiometer ... most likely a rebranded Yihua-936B but with other solder iron holder : http://yihua-soldering.com/product-5-4-constant-temperature-soldering-station.html/147699/
The Newark listing says 70w, the Yihua page says 60w ... I don't now, you may get something above 50w when it comes to transformer inside.
The single negative review is someone complaining about tips, but they're the super common T12 / Hakko 936 tips
Then you have at $83 he Tenma 21-10115: https://www.newark.com/tenma/21-10115/soldering-station-esd-safe-60w/dp/56T2208
This is a rebranded Atten 938 which is 65 eur on their website : https://www.atten.eu/product/1127953/atten-at938d-60w-digital-lead-free-soldering-station
Same deal with this one, same mass produced tips, heater elements, 60w transformer... easy to source tips for them, even newark stocks them (they're under Tenma brand, but with Hakko part numbers, like 900M-T-1.6D for example https://www.newark.com/tenma/900m-t-1-6d/tip-soldering-chisel-1-6mm/dp/56T2212?MER=sy-me-pd-mi-acce )
eevnoob:
;D topic changed to current timeline.
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