Soldering station advice needed

[FlashJim]

I'm tossing around the idea of getting a soldering station.

Any preference between the Hakko 936 and Aoyue 937? Any others under $100 that I should consider?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[BobEllis]

I've used this http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 for several years in fairly heavy diy use. Get a variety of tips with it. Tips are well made and last a long time. I've replaced the sponge a couple times, but other than that, have had no issues. Seems to hold temperature well, reheats quickly after making large connections. The included replacement heating element is still in the bag.

[zegebe]

It hasn't gotten heavy use yet, but I've been pretty happy with my Hakko 936. Seems to be a pretty good variety of tips for it, and the base has some weight to it (as opposed to being super light/cheap feeling).

[FlashJim]

Thanks Bob. Any idea how much that ran you? I didn't see a price on there.

Zegebe, the Hakko does seem to be built like a tank. Fry's has it for $70 or so. It's a discontinued item from Hakko, but I would expect parts to be available for a long time due to it's popularity.

Weller WES51 seems to be in my price range and it looks good too.

[zegebe]

Didn't realize the 936 was discontinued. I got the 907 (medium) Handle with mine I think, and it looks like all the handles are still used by the current models - so at least there should be no shortage of tips/etc available.

-zach

[impala454]

I've got the Weller WES51 and it's been great. I don't use it heavily but a fair amount. My Fry's has tons Weller stuff also, so easy to get extra tips and such.

[FlashJim]

Hey Chuck ... it's nice to see another Houstonian here. I might have to slide up to Fry's to check them out in person.

One feature I liked about the WES51 (if I read correctly) is the auto shutoff.

[BobEllis]

The CSI station was about $50, assorted tips a couple bucks each.

Heavy DIY isn't heavy use, just guessing that I use it a bit more than most hobbyists.

[joeybutts]

Got my Hakko off ebay from a going-out-of-business sale, and has worked flawlessly for about 3 years.

[dyazdani]

I have this station from Solomon. It has worked great for about 8 years or so. I haven't had the first issue...

[DeathMonk]

I bought this:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=374-100

Until I feel like buying a better one. It's surprisingly good for the price, though.

[impala454]

Hey Chuck ... it's nice to see another Houstonian here.

Technically I'm in League City but to all the out of towners it's easier to just say Houston

[FlashJim]

I ended up getting the Weller WES51 for my upcoming birthday. The auto shutoff was a key feature that won me over.

[bzzeigler]

I work at the Fry's in Plano... looks like I'll be checking out my associate discount on some soldering stations tomorrow... Specifically the Weller WES51...

[FlashJim]

I went to the Fry's in Plano when I was up there a while back. Loved the store.

I have a feeling you'll love the WES51. I do. Amazon had it for $94ish shipped free when I got it.

[baniels]

Another happy WES51 owner here.

[Johnloudb]

Another happy WES51 owner here.

Me too, though I have the older WES50. Still works great.

[FlashJim]

Something tells me I need to focus my excess energy towards building my speakers.

My Weller WES5150.

[Bent]

^
OU812? I love it,

I have a four year old WES51 as well, never let me down, fast, but the handle on the iron feels small to me.

In fact, I was showing my 12 year-old some soldering stuff with it today. We bought him some cheap Velleman electronic kits for Christmas from Eftson Science - they were on back-order and just showed up a week ago. His joints on the board all look like little shiny Hershey Kisses.