Budget Soldering Station

[dynaman]

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.

[jelle]

I would look at the old black Hakko 936. Ebay.

[Smokebreak]

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]

A WESD51 has been working for me for about five years.

[AcornHouse]

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

[xtian]

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.

[Bob S]

Never tried a Hakko - my old Weller just keeps on trucking.

[cbass]

Hakko it does like kinda pokeman but the stand is all metal

[randalp3000]

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.

[johnnyreece]

I still have an old Xytronic from Howard Electronics that's plugging away. From before the digital temperature readout days.

[eniam rognab]

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

[Phil_S]

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.

[Bob Simpson]

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

[dynaman]

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.

[Structo]

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

That is the one I bought as well.