Hakko FX-888 vs my old generic rework station: No contest

[lookimback]

My old station was a Kendal 937D++, and I have done a ton of work with it. For being only $100 and having a hot air wand and soldering iron, I can't complain(except it was noisy). After 2 years and hundreds of hours of use, the original elements are still working, but it doesn't compare to my new Hakko. That old station will still see a lot of work though because I need the hot air still, and 2 irons make a lot of stuff easier. My only complaint is that there doesn't seem to be a way to switch it to Celsius, which is what I'm used to.

[clearchris]

Re: Hakko FX-888 vs my old generic rework station: No contest

I think a lot of it comes down tto the tips. My hakko fx-888 with generic tips is close to useless. I wouldnt get a clone iron unless it could take a major manufacturer's tips.

[lookimback]

Re: Hakko FX-888 vs my old generic rework station: No contest

Honestly, my old station was pretty good in the beginning, but now it doesn't regulate the heat as well and the tips don't last long, even good tips. I may buy a spare Hakko iron and see if it will work with it. It has the same plug, but I'll have to verify voltage. I really love not having to hot swap iron tips anymore. I mainly use a D16 (1.6mm) chisel tip, but sometimes I need a pencil tip too, and it's nice to have them both available at the same time.

[stj]

Re: Hakko FX-888 vs my old generic rework station: No contest

real hakko vs 900 series clones, the sensor is usually different.

maybe the pinout on the plug too.
the real hakko had a shit "din" connector, so the cloners used other connectors - usually locking "microphone" type ones.

[lookimback]

Re: Hakko FX-888 vs my old generic rework station: No contest

I'm mistaken. My old station was a Kendal 852D++. Still a 900 series clone though. I hadn't looked too closely at the connectors. Probably wouldn't have fit anyway. Maybe I can just rewire one. Basically, I just want a handle that won't come loose every time I put pressure on something. That's probably what I hate the most about the cheap station.