Suggestions on soldering station etc.

[junktv]

I've been soldering more than normal and my cheap popular mechanics that i have been using for the past 15 years or so has been great to me but i'm getting over having to mess with the tip when it gets more use. I was wondering what you all use and suggest? I'm not really wanting to spend over $100 but want something that will last for years and will be able to get parts for. Here are a couple i have been looking at.


Seem to be recomended alot.
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/we...lder/wes51.htm

http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko936-1...?Source=Google

Cheaper and digital.
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/el...ions/sl30a.htm
Maybe same as above
http://www.mpja.com/productsdirect.a...item4=15141+TL

[shovenose]

Re: Suggestions on soldering station etc.

the hakko 936 gets good recommendations (i dont have it tho), (but thats what i will get when finances allow)...

[stj]

Re: Suggestions on soldering station etc.

Cheaper and digital.
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/el...ions/sl30a.htm

that's a good base but the irons dont last - but it should cost about half that price!
it's discontinued btw, not made for atleast 2 years - they are lcd now - not led.

[junktv]

Re: Suggestions on soldering station etc.

So looks like weller or hakko then. Any others or know of cheaper places to get a digital read out? Goot?

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Suggestions on soldering station etc.

We just went around with that one few weeks ago.
https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11489
Lots of good advice buried in there.
.
Just FYI:
A Hakko 926 is electrically the same as a 936 but with a different PCB layout and plastics on the base.
All the external parts interchange.
Used bases are sometimes cheap on eBay.
Then you can get replacement handles and tips from here:
http://www.vendio.com/stores/cantonm...chString=hakko
[Have bought from him. They are legit Hakko parts..]

There are also these guys that sell three brands of Hakko knock-offs that do pretty well.
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/9258

.

[romansroad]

Re: Suggestions on soldering station etc.

I bougth my Hakko 936 at Fry's fro around $60.....well worth it!