Budget Soldering Station
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Budget Soldering Station
I'm cheap. For years, I only used what I could get tips for locally. I've moved and will now have to mail order tips regardless. I've been looking at Edsyn 951SX and ye olde Weller WES51 and its digital variant.
Any experience with these two units? Are all replacement parts readily available? Pros/cons??
Other brands? Looks like Hakko makes some reasonably priced units, but I don't like their blue and yellow plasticy packaging.
Any experience with these two units? Are all replacement parts readily available? Pros/cons??
Other brands? Looks like Hakko makes some reasonably priced units, but I don't like their blue and yellow plasticy packaging.
-
- Posts: 1391
- Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:53 pm
- Location: Texas
Re: Budget Soldering Station
My second WES51 in less than two years failed on me this week. First one was DOA. I ordered a Hakko that should be here today. The $12.95 Radio Shack 40W has kept me goin this week.
- martin manning
- Posts: 13269
- Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:43 am
- Location: 39°06' N 84°30' W
Re: Budget Soldering Station
A WESD51 has been working for me for about five years.
-
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2014 1:21 pm
- Location: Bidwell, OH
- Contact:
Re: Budget Soldering Station
I've been using the Solomon digital station that StewMac sells for a year. Very reliable.http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/To ... ation.html
Re: Budget Soldering Station
No dig at you, AcornHouse, but StewMac is way overpriced.
Here's mine:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/bk200 ... ation.html
Good build, heats quickly, easy to replace tips, handle, heating element with standard parts.
Here's mine:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/bk200 ... ation.html
Good build, heats quickly, easy to replace tips, handle, heating element with standard parts.
I build and repair tube amps. http://amps.monkeymatic.com
Re: Budget Soldering Station
Never tried a Hakko - my old Weller just keeps on trucking.
Why Aye Man
Re: Budget Soldering Station
Hakko it does like kinda pokeman but the stand is all metal
- randalp3000
- Posts: 667
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:11 pm
- Location: Holland Michigan
- Contact:
Re: Budget Soldering Station
I love my Hakko's, one at home and one at work.
I do prefer the older one with a knob for temp as apposed to the newer digital one. Been using the same tip for over a year with no signs of wear.
I do prefer the older one with a knob for temp as apposed to the newer digital one. Been using the same tip for over a year with no signs of wear.
- johnnyreece
- Posts: 978
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 2:05 am
- Location: New Castle, IN
Re: Budget Soldering Station
I still have an old Xytronic from Howard Electronics that's plugging away. From before the digital temperature readout days.
-
- Posts: 763
- Joined: Wed May 15, 2013 4:06 am
Re: Budget Soldering Station
ive got the xtian approved blackjack (thanks!) and it works great. one to avoid is the Tenma variety. we have these at work and ive broken two of them... the screw collar is made of plastic for some reason.
plastic melts, duh
happy hunting
plastic melts, duh
happy hunting
Re: Budget Soldering Station
Well, what do you mean by budget? A dollar amount might get you more focused pointers. Not that suggestions so far are off the mark. It's just that $50 won't get you $100.
-
- Posts: 299
- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:43 pm
- Location: Lakewood, CO
Re: Budget Soldering Station
Hakko FX-888 ESD knob version in Cub Scout colors...
Well built. On the frugal end... Recommended by somebody here when
I was looking....
Bob Simpson
Well built. On the frugal end... Recommended by somebody here when
I was looking....
Bob Simpson
Please understand that IMO an answer to this question is of no practical relevance at all. - Max
Re: Budget Soldering Station
I'm looking to spend around $100. I also looked at older Hakko 936s, but their various sites are a bit confusing as to whether tips are still in production.
After reading up about the more popular units, I've decided that it doesn't matter much, lol. Buy the station, find the tip I like and immediately order backups while they're available. Done.
After reading up about the more popular units, I've decided that it doesn't matter much, lol. Buy the station, find the tip I like and immediately order backups while they're available. Done.
Re: Budget Soldering Station
That is the one I bought as well.Bob Simpson wrote:Hakko FX-888 ESD knob version in Cub Scout colors...
Well built. On the frugal end... Recommended by somebody here when
I was looking....
Bob Simpson
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!