Soldering station shopping help. Hakko? Weller?

B

Bob W

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Dec 31, 2000
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I need a small and not-too-expensive soldering station for occasional home use. What do you guys use, and/or which models/brands do you have experience with?

At work I use the OKI PS-900 extensively, but have no experience with any other solder equipment whatsoever. There are also a few Metcal units around. The OKI and Metcal are priced at around $250 and $600 respectively, which is more than I intend to spend for a personal home station.

Shopping around online it seems Weller is the most common brand. Falling in my price range is the WES51 ($100). There's a cheaper mode, the WLC100 ($40), but in general I prefer to not shop for bottom-of-the-line products.

Also catching my eye are the Hakko solder stations. Online reviews are favorable, generally placing Hakko above Weller when comparing products of similar price. The FX-888 ($80) is the model I'd be most interested in. There's also the FX-951 ($240, getting up in the OKI range) that is undoubtedly beyond my needs. Unfortunately there's no place locally to see these in person.

Anyone use or have experience with Hakko stations? If not, what do you use?
 
Weller and Metcal suck. I especially HATE Metcal irons.

But Hakko? They rule!

Edsyn is a good second. Pace is good too, especially for de-soldering.
 
I bought a Hakko 936 ESD approx. 5 years ago and I'm still pretty happy with it. It heats up fast and does a good job of maintaining temperature. I have no experience with the Weller - I considered buying a Weller at the time but could only find the WLC100 or the (much) more expensive industrial models locally and I also prefer to avoid the low end models if possible. The Hakko also had more power than the WLC100 and got great reviews on CPF where I also hang out.
 
I've had great success with Weller. For very quick relay repairs or electronic replacements, I've used the $20 Radio Shack irons too, they have replaceable tips, and have a variety of supplies in a pinch. Whatever yu end up going with, make sure you get a desoldering braid, they can help clean up a mess. ;)
 
I only use Hakko know. I've used all sorts of irons and equipment for removing chips from pcb to rc car electric motor repair. The variable heat models are perfect for anything you could ever want to do.

More expensive for sure, but a quality piece of equipment.
 
I'm really leaning towards Hakko more strongly now. Thanks so much for all of the input and comments.
 
Still use my Dad's old one, struggle to get chisel tip the other day though....
Those Hakko ones look nice.
 
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