WTB - Soldering Station

[thesloc]

Re: WTB - Soldering Station

Where is your soldering flux??!!!!

I recommend Amtech 559 ASM flux, for all smd, ic, and recap rework.

[mickeysat17]

Re: WTB - Soldering Station

wellers been around since methousala.!!!

[Agent24]

Re: WTB - Soldering Station

I would say the FX-888 over 936, because it's the newer one. You will probably get longer support for it.

Having said that though, there are so many Chinese 936 clones, that spare parts will probably be available for a long time (but may not be as good quality\performance as genuine Hakko parts)

[Bob in St. Louis]

Re: WTB - Soldering Station

I have one of the cheaper Stahl Stations as shown >> HERE <<, and it's served me very well.
Check the reviews.

The Wellers are highly respected as well.

Bob

[Bob in St. Louis]

Re: WTB - Soldering Station

I have one of the cheaper Stahl Stations as shown >> HERE <<, and it's served me very well.
Check the reviews.

The Wellers are highly respected as well.

Bob

[pelud]

Re: WTB - Soldering Station

I own a genuine Hakko 936 that I bought about 10 years ago, and, while I don't use it that often, I still have the original tip in excellent condition on it. So if you just want an iron, I can certainly vouch for Hakko.

That being said, I just purchased one of the inexpensive hot air rework stations a few days ago off ebay (the GQ 5200 from mcumall.com; they are located about 15 minutes away from where I live so I didn't have to pay for shipping) and I can say that the hot air rework is _much_ better for removing SMT stuff.

The iron on the GQ 5200 is not quite as nice as the Hakko -- the cord is not as long, and the cord is not made out of silicon like the Hakko's; but when it comes to actual soldering it is about the same from what I can tell.

Overall, I'm quite happy with the rework station. Personally I would probably pick it over the Hakko if I had to choose. Keep in mind that I haven't had it long enough to comment on the longevity of it.

[eltrkbrd]

Re: WTB - Soldering Station

Awesome, funny you mention EEVblog, I was just going though this post before reading your response:
http://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=4137.15

Thanks again!

[retiredcaps]

Re: Need advice on Hakko FX-888 vs Komec 936 Soldering Stations

Although for now, I'm considering something simple; how about the [B]Hakko FX888 Solder Station (65W)?

If I needed a good solder station, the Hakko FX888 would be high on my list.

Dave Jones over at the eevblog has done a 3 part video on soldering and he goes through everything from picking solder stations, solder, types of solder, temperature, techniques, etc. It is about 1 hour long in total, but worth it. See

http://www.eevblog.com/2011/06/19/ee...-part-1-tools/

http://www.eevblog.com/2011/07/02/ee...torial-part-2/

http://www.eevblog.com/2011/07/18/ee...surface-mount/

[eltrkbrd]

After checking through the forums here, I found a couple of decent threads on the subject but didn't want to hijack anybody else's thread or bring one back from the dead.

I'm new to soldering and just getting started, can anybody here recommend a good soldering station?

I'm interested in purchasing a Soldering Station for doing simple component level repairs like replacing bad capacitors.

For me it's mostly small electronics like audio equipment, laptop motherboards and components, etc.

I need a Soldering Iron with variable temperature control and possibly a desoldering gun.

In the near future, I'm considering investing a something like a Dark IR rework station for BGA reballing (Nvidia GPUs, etc.).

Although for now, I'm considering something simple; how about the Hakko FX888 Solder Station (65W)?
http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=49&PID=4800
$88- http://www.ebay.com/itm/270814064822

OR

Komec 936 soldering station w/ 5 tips (60W)
$49 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/380172520911


Accessories:
$4.50 - 5'x2mm Desoldering Wick - http://www.ebay.com/itm/270361701396
$3 - Solder Sucker - http://www.ebay.com/itm/180490474544

If I'm going to spring the $80+ dollars for the Hakko, does it make sense just go for a Rework Station like one of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370555743764
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180696930083

Thanks in advance for the advice. No soldering stations in the store here but I checked...

Reference:
https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showth...solder+station