Looking for a recommendation on a digital solder station

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  • fweasel
    master of some
    • Jul 2016
    • 4285

    #1

    Looking for a recommendation on a digital solder station

    Thanks to my father, I've been soldering since I was 6 years old. I imagine that's the norm in an amateur radio household. Practice aside, I've only ever used cheap Radio Shack pencil style irons and the occasional Craftsman gun (the 5lb mini-sledge of soldering). I'd like to finally buy a real solder station but don't know exactly what I need. Wattage/temp needs to be high enough for lipo power lead work, but with quality equipment, I don't know if you have to throw the same wattage behind the tip. I see Weller has a 50W station, but my initial reaction is that may be under powered. The Hakko stations seem like they are a little non-intuitive on the power supply side of things, but a regenerally a little more powerful at a similar price point.

    Suggestions?
    Vac-U-Tug Jr (13mph)
  • boredom.is.me
    Senior Member
    • Jun 2009
    • 595

    #2
    I've been using one of these (937D+) for about two years. It was $50 when I got it, but now see it from the same seller for $32. The largest connectors I've soldered were 6mm and 5.5mm. No issues what so ever. I'm sure it will handle 8mm with no problems either. I did have to replace the pen/iron due to the temp sensor (I think) screwing up, but I honestly can't remember.

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    • roofintrash
      Member
      • Aug 2016
      • 48

      #3
      I finally shot the lock off the wallet and bought the Hakko. Best move I ever made. Setup is a breeze and my solder work improved tenfold!!!
      https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D-...dering+station
      Rick

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      • fweasel
        master of some
        • Jul 2016
        • 4285

        #4
        Originally posted by roofintrash
        I finally shot the lock off the wallet and bought the Hakko. Best move I ever made. Setup is a breeze and my solder work improved tenfold!!!
        https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888D-...dering+station
        no complaints on the adjustment controls?
        Vac-U-Tug Jr (13mph)

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        • roofintrash
          Member
          • Aug 2016
          • 48

          #5
          Originally posted by fweasel
          no complaints on the adjustment controls?
          Not at all. I know I'll have to turn in my man card for this,,,,,,,I read the manual lol
          It just seems to hold heat better than any iron Ive ever used and gets up to temp from cold in 30 seconds or less. Ive used it on servo and receiver boards, up to 8mm bullets with nothing more than a tip change. It really made me not hate soldering.
          Rick

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