Possum:
The Hakko 936 and 937 Soldering Stations are excellent soldering stations. Both are of the highest possible quality. Plus they look great! So a Hakko 936 for $60plus is really a high-tech bargain. The reason for the low price is this: Hakko is NOT well known! Most people know a Weller, but not a Hakko. This creates a terrific opportunity for savvy, knowledgeable buyers!
Hakko: Smaller, thinner soldering iron...
I almost bought the small soldering iron (900S) for my Hakko 937. However, I soon realized that the standard soldering iron is thin enough at 16mm diameter. That's about 5/8 inch. I feel it is just the right size! Anyway, these extra soldering irons are sold at very, very high prices (over $100 for 900S). Plus the small iron has only 6 tips available for it. That lacks versatility! So I do not advice getting the small soldering iron. Instead, you should get small soldering tips. In my opinion, that's a better move.
Total tips for Standard and Small Soldering Irons...
Standard 907 soldering iron = 24 tips.
Small 900S soldering iron = 6 tips.
Hakko tips...
I suggest that you get some of the smaller soldering tips. The standard 937 tip is a 907 Series MTD 1.6mm spade, but I like tips smaller than that. I really like the combination of high temperature and a very, very small tip. That combination works extremely well for me.
--Hakko 900 MTD 1.2mm spade--Good tip to have.
--Hakko 900 MTD 0.8mm spade--Great tip to have for most work!
--Hakko 900 MTI 0.2mm point--Great pointed tip for soldering surface mount devices (SMD)!
To check out Hakko equipment prices, go to these sites...
http://www.wassco.com
http://www.action-electronics.com
Please note: Wassco has lower prices for soldering tips.
Good luck with this info!