Looking for new soldering station/iron

[Five_magics]

I'm looking for a new soldering station/iron for home, that's not too costy. I have a Hakko FM-202/FM-2027 at work, and I love it, but the price point is way too high for home/occasional use.

I have heard there were cheaper non-Hakko soldering stations/irons that could use FM-2027 tips, like this one http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Hakko-T15-JS0...-/281700128365 (love those tips).

Thanks!

[stj]

Re: Looking for new soldering station/iron

there are clones that use those irons.

one is the blackjack solderwerks BK 3000LF
there are also lots of chinese kits and stuff on ebay

[momaka]

Re: Looking for new soldering station/iron

Aoyue 2900 is another one

Circuit Specialists has it as the CSI 2900
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/l...l-display.html
http://www.circuitspecialists.eu/70w...lder-csi-2900/
That's what I have and I'm quite happy with it. I've had it since 2012. Before that, it was used in a repair shop for a few years and saw moderate use.

[stj]

Re: Looking for new soldering station/iron

the blackjack would be the better choice simply because this guy has designed an upgrade board to fit in the case.
http://dangerousprototypes.com/forum...p=61175#p61175

although in europe atleast, that csi model is a lot cheaper.

[ttuguy]

Re: Looking for new soldering station/iron

I haven't had much experience with their lower end products but I swear by the Aoyue 968A+ SMD Digital Hot Air Rework Station. I have one at home, and had 2-3 of them at my last job. At least 3 other people have bought them on my recommendation and love them... so much bang for the buck.

Based on this experience I would expect the lower end Aoyue's to do as well (many of them have higher Amazon ratings).

[ttuguy]

Re: Looking for new soldering station/iron

Oh I should also mention I have used lot's of Hakko's and Wellers... The Aoyue wins in functionality and knocks it out of the ballpark in value.

[stj]

Re: Looking for new soldering station/iron

http://www.aoyue.com/en/pro/?id=16

that 968A - sorry, but that 900m loking iron is not 20% of the power of a T12 based iron.