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Post by b1 on Dec 31, 2016 11:12:12 GMT -6
I searched the threads for a bit and didn't see any threads dedicated to DIY tools, per se. I wondered what soldering station the pro/experienced solderers here, use at home (or even at work). I'm getting tired of cheap iron & tips and ready for a step up for dealing with de-soldering no-lead joints. I know Weller used to make reliable stations, but I see a few complaints on them after they moved to Mexico. I would like to keep the cost to around ~$100. What do you guys think I should be looking at in the way of reliability, availability of quality replacement parts, and low cost of those parts?
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Post by mdmitch2 on Dec 31, 2016 14:02:48 GMT -6
I use a hakko 888 and 808 desoldering tool. They've been reliable and replacement parts are readily available. I can't really compare them to other brands, but I think they're good for the money.
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Post by b1 on Dec 31, 2016 15:18:07 GMT -6
I use a hakko 888 and 808 desoldering tool. They've been reliable and replacement parts are readily available. I can't really compare them to other brands, but I think they're good for the money. Thanks mdmitch2. I was looking at the Hakko 888-D-23BY. Maybe you have an analog version? From what Ive read, The diff between the 888-D & 888-D-23BY is the color... not sure. The Hakko 808 is discontinued, but it's good to see you can still get some parts for it. Plenty of good reviews for the 888-D. |
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Post by indiehouse on Dec 31, 2016 15:24:55 GMT -6
Hakko for me. Variable temp. It's been rock solid.
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Post by b1 on Dec 31, 2016 16:40:20 GMT -6
Hakko for me. Variable temp. It's been rock solid. Oh dear... two satisfied Hakko users... I just ordered the 888-D. Thanks guys  |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Dec 31, 2016 20:02:35 GMT -6
Thanks mdmitch2 . I was looking at the Hakko 888-D-23BY. Maybe you have an analog version? From what Ive read, The diff between the 888-D & 888-D-23BY is the color... not sure. The Hakko 808 is discontinued, but it's good to see you can still get some parts for it. Plenty of good reviews for the 888-D. I have the digital version -- the only thing you have to watch out for is the fact that changing the temperature and calibrating the temperature are done in almost the same way, so it's easy to accidentally mix them up. Make sure you read the manual! Regarding the 808, it's been replaced by a new model, the FR300, which is more expensive than the 808 used to be. On the plus side, they use the same tips, so the 808 should be good for a while longer. |
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Post by b1 on Dec 31, 2016 20:44:36 GMT -6
Thanks mdmitch2 . I was looking at the Hakko 888-D-23BY. Maybe you have an analog version? From what Ive read, The diff between the 888-D & 888-D-23BY is the color... not sure. The Hakko 808 is discontinued, but it's good to see you can still get some parts for it. Plenty of good reviews for the 888-D. I have the digital version -- the only thing you have to watch out for is the fact that changing the temperature and calibrating the temperature are done in almost the same way, so it's easy to accidentally mix them up. Make sure you read the manual! Regarding the 808, it's been replaced by a new model, the FR300, which is more expensive than the 808 used to be. On the plus side, they use the same tips, so the 808 should be good for a while longer. Yeah, I studied up on the 888-D & watched a lot of videos... downloaded & read all the info. You def have to know what you're adjusting and the parameter you're in. I saw a guy on a YouTube vid that unboxed, turned it on and got it all out of wack out of the gate. I bet he had to dig to find the doc which explained the factory reset. For a desolderer, I was considering getting one of the eBay ~$60.00 Chinese 3-in-one jobs which had hot air rework, desolderer, and iron; to just use the desolder pump. If it broke, surely I would have enough parts left over to refashion my own. I could make an external pump as long as the electrics were decent enough... it's got me wondering anyway... |
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Post by bowie on Jan 1, 2017 15:30:16 GMT -6
I used cheap Wellers for years and couldn't see the point in upgrading. But, when I got the Hakko 888 is was one of those "where have you been all my life" moments. Super-reliable and just much easier to use.
For de-soldering, I wouldn't bother with any of the Chinese jobs. A couple years ago, I was able to get a used Hakko 470 for $120 off ebay (you probably won't get one that cheap but just be patient and you'll find a good deal). It's an absolute game-changer being able to desolder so quickly, cleanly, and non-destructively. Literally has changed the way I work because I'm no longer worried about "what if I need to de-solder this later?" so I can make every solder joint ideal and if I need it undone, it's no issue. Constantly having to clean it is no fun but, other than that, it's a dream. Looks like it's been in service for 20 years and is built so well I'm sure it'll run for another 20.
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Post by svart on Jan 9, 2017 8:24:45 GMT -6
I have about 6 unused Haako stations here at work. People have fought over using the Metcal or JBC stations rather than use the Haako stuff.
You can find used older Metcals on Ebay for 50-125$ if you look around.
If you're serious about soldering, then go ahead and stretch a little for something on the next level.
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Post by b1 on Jan 10, 2017 1:33:35 GMT -6
@ svart , I don't solder on a regular basis. As a 'puter tech I rarely run into a motherboard to fix these days.... I'll keep those brands in mind though. The Hakko has been setting here for a few days. I need to put 7 caps in one of my own PCs, but not feeling too pressed.  |
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,107 
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Post by ericn on Jan 15, 2017 21:29:41 GMT -6
After years of Wellers Grabed a Hakko 888-D so much more consistent temp ! Between this and the Aoyue 8800 desoldering gun that I picked up for $150 and the $50 Scope I almost feel like a tech!
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Post by bowie on Jan 15, 2017 22:10:12 GMT -6
After years of Wellers Grabed a Hakko 888-D so much more consistent temp ! Between this and the Aoyue 8800 desoldering gun that I picked up for $150 and the $50 Scope I almost feel like a tech! What scope did you get and how are you liking it? |
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,107
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Post by ericn on Jan 16, 2017 11:04:16 GMT -6
After years of Wellers Grabed a Hakko 888-D so much more consistent temp ! Between this and the Aoyue 8800 desoldering gun that I picked up for $150 and the $50 Scope I almost feel like a tech! What scope did you get and how are you liking it? It's an EZ Digital (LG) OS 5020-G So far I like it really like the built in signal generator, honestly I have used more than the actual scope. It's a digital Scope and only 20KHz but for $50 I am very happy and It will meet my needs! |
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