Soldering ststion selection.

Rbeckett

Rbeckett

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Sep 24, 2010
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Well I think I am about ready to pull the trigger on a new soldering Iron. I have filed the tip slap off of my 6.00 Radio Shack super dooper el-cheapo iron finally, Anybody got any suggestion that might be better than an Aoyue 936d or 937+, or an Atten 936D. Model numbering systems do seem to overlap but they remain seperate and distinct from similarly numbered units from other vendors. I have been looking for a couple of weeks at a new iron and these three seem to offer the most features like digital temp and spare goodies like tips, heaters and spare handpieces. I set an abritrary limit of 60 dollars and free or very cheap freight. I'm kind of leaning toward the 937+ because even though it is the most expensive of the three it has a solder roll holder with tip wrench for hot tip changes, two complete iron handpieces, 5 extra tips, a spare heater, and free shipping. Any one else had to replace one recently, and possibly have a unit in mind that I may have overlooked. I looked at Atten, Weller, Aoyue, SRD, BGA and many others including house brands from name brand vendors, I narrowed it to these three and an X-Tronic 4010 with magnifying light and tweezers too. It is the most expensive at a budget busting 70 bucks plus shipping, but it includes a gooseneck 5X 5 1/2 inch magnifyer with 90 LED lights. Comments, suggestions, horror stories or vendors to avoid? Any info would be great.

Wheelchair Bob
 
I never put that much thought into my soldering irons. I found a couple of old Wellers 300watts at a yard sale 20 yrs ago and they're still going strong. I pull the trigger and they get hot fast...what more can you ask for. :cool:
 
I bought a Auyoe 936 off Ebay and I like it. I gave my "Radio Shack stiff cord made it difficult to use" version to a friend.
The cord on the Auyoe is flexible and does not interfere while soldering. The iron heats up fast. I am not an expert on soldering but I do like this iron. I paid 39 bucks and shipping was free.

I already had the magnifier as I notice my eyesight going bad a couple years prior when I was trying to tie flies for fly fishing.:))

Roy
 
Thanks Roy. I started noticing that my arms are getting too short again too, so I was looking at the goos neck and cantalever magnifying lights too. Found a ton of the cheap flimsy ones that break at the clamp all the time, but no real bargains on a better quality unit. Bout the best I could end up was 39 bucks for the 936, 22 for tips and 20 for a lamp or 69.80 for all of it in a combo kit. I really didnt like the plastic Iron holder with that piece though. Thanks for the input and info. The 936' and 937+'s have the best reviews and I really like the sidewinder solder spool right in the steel Iron rest too. But the freight is sort of a deal killer on that one. Still struggling....

Bob
 
Bob,
you have anything against Ungar? In particular model 9000? No magnifier or solder reel, but for the price.......
 
I taught the USAF High Reliability Soldering Course in a Field Training Detachment for about 10 years. Mind you, it was over 25 years ago. The best equipment we had for standing up to constant use by folks that had never soldered before, was Weller temp controlled stations. Second best were Ungar. Wish I had one now. Don't know what they're like today.

Chuck
 
Tony Wells said:
Bob,
you have anything against Ungar? In particular model 9000? No magnifier or solder reel, but for the price.......
Click to expand...


Nope, never even heard of them before this post. Looked at several on a site that sells Ungar. Pricey lil rascals aren't they. The 9000 is pretty close to the budget guidelines at 65 bucks, plus freight. Waiting on a freight quote from the vendor now. Thanks for the new option Tony!!
Bob
 
Well, the real option is that I seem to have a surplus of them. I primarily use Weller on the bench, but keep an Ungar on standby. Would you be interested in a gift of one of these Ungar units? They're not new, by any means, but everyone I have tried seemed to work well. I have a few new tips also for them. Maybe a heater or two as well. I understand the attraction of new toys, but sometimes a well proven, broken(not broken down) toy is just what the doctor ordered.
 
As a NASA 8739 and MIL (J-STD) certified solderer, I can't say enough about Hakko soldering stations - and I've tried 'em all. They are, BY FAR, the best. I use the FX-951.

Ready to go from full cold in 30 seconds, heat control bar none, and power when you need it. They has a two for one deal a while back and we stocked up.

http://www.hakkousa.com/products.asp?CID=49

John
 
I have a Hakko Soldering Station, FX-888 $84.88 from amazon. I went to it when I starts doing surface mount chips. Has great temperature control and holds the temperature great. The tips are not cheap but hold up well and they have a good selection.

Jeff
 
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