Soldering iron/station

[Marll]

Can anyone that does mods frequently recommend a good soldering iron or station? I don't have my station any more, and just based on of the needs for Turbo repair and mods I'd like to see what people are using these days.

[Chuplayer]

At work, I use an older version of the Hakko FX-888.

http://www.techni-tool.com/821SO888

I've been meaning to get myself an FX-888 for home use. It looks like a toy, but I've heard it's every bit as good as the Hakko 936 which it replaced, and I freaking love the Hakko 936.

[Game-Tech.US]

Then you have to mod it!

[broken]

If you have the $100 or so, the FX-888 is definitely the way to go.

[Marll]

Sounds like a plan, looks like Amazon has one for about $80 right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Soldering-Station-FX-888-65W/dp/B004M3U0VU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350951933&sr=8-1&keywords=hakko+fx-888

I'll probably get one of these in the near future and slowly get back into soldering and start modding my systems. Thanks for the replies!

[fraggore]

i am using this had it for about 12 years its a work horse.

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Equipment/Weller-WSD81-Digital-Temperature-Controlled-Soldering-Station-80W-230V-85-5291/?source=googleps&utm_source=googleps

[SignOfZeta]

If you can get a 12 year old Weller buy it. We've got some at work that are decades old. Word on the current production is that they are total junk.

[BlueBMW]

I love my Hakko fx-888  Its repaired / modded dozens of systems

[turbokon]

I bought a used metcal from a friend and its the best $75 I ever spent. If you can find one for $100, buy it. Heat up to full temp in a matter of seconds and no temperature dial or adjustment to mess with.

[fraggore]

That Hakko fx-888 looks pretty good for the money and that Ozzie guy loves it.

[burn_654]

Excuse my ignorance, but what all would a more 'pro' solder station like the hakko get me compared to your typical iron? Just curious, I've just been using a radioshack 2-temp switchable iron and a helping hands for years without much issue aside from having to get a new tip once in a while. I can understand a more advanced heat control, but is that the main difference?  Is the build quality that big of an issue? 

I'd just like to know more about the motivation to invest in such irons etc.

[Chuplayer]

My Radio Shack iron that I use at home takes forever to heat up, and sometimes I think it isn't even done heating up by the time I'm done. The old Hakko 936 I use at work heats up in 45 seconds.

Radio Shack iron tips suck. I get much more mileage out of the tips I use at work.

If yours continues to work for you, then go for it. Mine did, too, until I used the Hakko. It's just that much better.

[broken]

The higher end models have a couple benefits:

Heat up quicker
Hold their temperature while in use far better
Designed to have serviceable and replaceable parts like the heater element and etc
Built like something that will last a long time
Better grade tips that won't wear out after soldering a couple dozen joints (hello Radio Shack tips)

[BlueBMW]

The rapid heat up and ability to hold that temp during use is probably the best benefit.  Tip life is far longer than any radio shack tip/iron Ive used.

[Chuplayer]

Oh yeah, holding heat is a plus. At home, I'm amazed by how much heat gets zapped by my sponge. At work, it's a total non-issue.