Companda's Discount Soldering Iron Recommendationing Thread!

[Companda]

and Family Eatery. And Gift Shop.

I looked around for a similar thread and couldn't find one. If there is one, forgive me. I beg you.

So, my soldering iron died a little while ago and I am looking to replace it with something quality-like. I've been considering the Hakko 963 station + iron since I can't really find anything negative about them on the internets. Does anybody have any experience with it?

Obviously there is also the Weller WES51. Everyone and their mother seems to have one. But my previous experience with a Weller iron wasn't exactly a pleasant one.

There is a pedal that I really want to try and build, but I just realized that I don't have a drill or anything else necessary. But, I still need an iron for repairs and such. Any help would be appreciated and reciprocated in some way.........not physically.


Not physically.

unless you're a sweet sexy lady

tl;dr - Recommend me a soldering iron. Also, make me a pedal. No, I will not sex you up in return. unless you are a sweet lady

[McSpunckle]

I use the WES51. I probably would have gone Hakko, had I known about it... but probably not since the Weller was $80 when I got it. IMO, get whatever's cheaper. They both have their pros/cons, but it's mostly small things. The Hakko is supposed to be better built, but the Weller has a burnproof cord. Stuff like that. There are arguments on both sides about tips, but with the Weller, you can just throw a tip or two into your parts orders.

Check out the Tenma brand at http://www.mcmelectronics.com. It's a generic brand, and all the products are available under different names. I have a station from the same manufacturer (you can just look at it and tell), and for being spec'd almost identical to the Weller, it solders about as good. The pencil isn't as comfortable (HUGE deal), though. And it doesn't heat up as fast.


That place also caries Weller and Hakko.

[Companda]

Why, THANK you McSpunckle. You are now on my list. You get a banana sticker.

I also am intrigued by the Edsyn 951SX. It just looks like a beast....like I could kill someone with it without even trying. A little bit pricier, though.

I'm think I am leaning toward the Hakko. But, Any more insight is welcomed.

[McSpunckle]

Save your money. You seriously do not need 95 watts for this sort of work. 50 watts will let you make basically any connection, at a reasonable temperature, in a couple of seconds. I solder at 650 degrees -with- lead free solder.

[Companda]

That and I wouldn't spend that much on an iron I would only use every now and then. But, if there were one iron that I would carry around and threaten people with, it would be the Edsyn.

No doubt about it.

With the Hakko or Weller I would need to wear some sort of devil/demon mask to really make it as threatening. I'm surprised they don't put that in the product description of the Edsyn.

[nbabmf]

I still use a 25 watt Lenk I bought from Wal-mart 3 years ago. I go through a tip like every 5 pedals, but that's because it take shitty tips.

[Companda]

I had a cheap-o Radioshack iron that lasted for years and was super comfortable to use. I replaced it with a Weller that died within a couple of weeks and didn't have any "heft" to it, if that makes sense. Of COURSE it does.

That's what I'm after, I guess. People's experiences with the Hakko and Weller. How they "feel" and such. And, of course, any alternatives to look into.

Also, I swear I'm not high, but "Peolpe's" looks like such a weird word to me right now.

[futuresailors]

I had a cheap-o Radioshack iron that lasted for years and was super comfortable to use. I replaced it with a Weller that died within a couple of weeks and didn't have any "heft" to it, if that makes sense. Of COURSE it does.

That's what I'm after, I guess. People's experiences with the Hakko and Weller. How they "feel" and such. And, of course, any alternatives to look into.

Also, I swear I'm not high, but "Peolpe's" looks like such a weird word to me right now.

That's because it's not a fucking word.
Why don't you get another from radioshack? They have the fancy adjustable ones in a station for like $60...
I just bought one of their $8 ones...

[McSpunckle]

Was the cheap Weller one of the "Marksman" series? (they're orange). Mine just kinda randomly died too. You can replace the heating elements, but it's not worth it. Mine lasted a few months, though... not just a couple of weeks.

Either way, get the Hakko and get to work, betch. Build me something neat.

[Companda]

That's because it's not a fucking word.

Yeah, but typos make me cool. Just one thing on the endless list of things.

Was the cheap Weller one of the "Marksman" series? (they're orange). Mine just kinda randomly died too. You can replace the heating elements, but it's not worth it. Mine lasted a few months, though... not just a couple of weeks.

Either way, get the Hakko and get to work, betch. Build me something neat.

The Weller I had was blue....or maybe it was white. I've tried another Radioshack one, but it wasn't nearly as comfortable.

Hakko it is!

[Jero]

I have the weller wlc 100, and it's worked great for years. Ran me $45 or something. A modest 40watts or so, and it's nvr turned past 2.5-3.

What pedal were you wanting built? I like building thansg...yea that's a typo, no I wont fix it

[Companda]

I have the weller wlc 100, and it's worked great for years. Ran me $45 or something. A modest 40watts or so, and it's never turned past 2.5-3.

What pedal were you wanting built? I like building things...yea I FUCKING FIXED IT

It's a clone of a pedal that I owned, was stolen and can't really afford to replace. But, I bought it new and never sold it so I don't feel bad cloning it.

But if you are interested in building it for me, that would be amazing. Especially since it will be a while until I will be able to build anything. I would, of course, pay for the parts and shipping. And a little something for your precious time.

Pea Emm me! Or don't!

If not, I'll just do it damned self.

Eventually.

[McSpunckle]

Have you seen Xytronic? They're supposed to be pretty good, too.
Hahaha!
Of course, I'm just throwing out names I've read good things about. I only have experience with the Weller... do you think the places that sell these things have a set up where you can... try them?

[Companda]

Have you seen Xytronic? They're supposed to be pretty good, too.
Hahaha!
Of course, I'm just throwing out names I've read good things about. I only have experience with the Weller... do you think the places that sell these things have a set up where you can... try them?

I've never seen such a thing! But, such a thing should exist. You now have a McSpunckle business idea.

I would shop there.

[multi_s]

I actually have a Xytronic. I think its ~25 watts and uses weller sized replacement tips. Its good except the cord it has is so damn rigid. if you can get silicon coated line cord instead and replace it you would have a pretty good iron for 20 bucks

more names: ANTEX

i have some of these, they are really nice except same deal with the cord. and they use their own style tips but you can get them on ebay no problem. they are very small which i actually like. i have a 15 watt version, if i bought another one id probably go 25. if you email the guy he can hook you up with silicon line cord but you have to replace it yourself. the tips seem to be very very good quality.

http://stores.ebay.com/Antex-USA

finally this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/SMD-SMT-Repair-Rewo ... 089wt_1106

i bought one just to see if it was any good and its definitely worth it if you were looking to spend this kind of money. plus you get a hot air tool to impress all your friends. it uses all hakko replacement parts (even heating elements apparently). they also shipped me about 10 Christmas ornaments in the same package when i bought it last year. nice guys.