[soloz2]

I've been browsing the forums and after spending way too much time being frustrated with my cheap soldering iron I think it's time to upgrade. It seems to me that the Hakko 936 seems to be the most recommended soldering station around here.

I have also seen some people talking about the CSI $35 clone. how would this compare? is it really worth the extra $ to get the hakko?

I think I want to get some extra tips and a tip cleaner so some recommendations on those would be great as well. Also, is a solder spool holder thing really helpful?

I have this solder:
http://www.mouser.com/search/product...ualkey53300000
kester 24-6337-8801, 63/37 .031 1#SPL if the link doesn't work
I like this over anything else I've ever used. So I don't think I would need to buy anything different, would I?

 

[threepointone]

I was thinking about getting one of those 936 clones a while ago. I did notice a functional difference in the specs, though--the clones are usually rated something like 30-45 watts, depending on your clone, whereas the hakko is rated 60 watt. I don't know how much of a difference it'll make, though, in electronics work. Some also commented that you have to put your own insulator on the clone handle so that it doesn't get too hot to handle. The hakko is at least twice the price, though.

So what did I choose eventually? Luckily for me, I found out that my grandpa had an old (but completely functional) wtcpt station =D

I don't think you need a soldering spool unless you do lots of soldering, i don't use one

 

[flutie04]

hmcelectronics.com

thats were my girlfriend bought mine for my bday

 

[Pars]

Your solder is fine.

Best places to buy the Hakko are:

http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko936-12.html

or

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bi...i?query=936-12

I've used Tequipment.net before and like them. Others here have recommended HMC. The 936-12 (with the medium iron) is the one you want. Seems like some that bought the clones said they were adequate, but I seem to recall some having problems with them also.

 

[soloz2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pars The 936-12 (with the medium iron) is the one you want.

thanks for all the input thus far. I did see that the 936-12 is the one most people have. the medium iron what exactly does that refer to? tip size, physical iron size? heating element size? what?

 

[soloz2]

Does anyone know of a place I could get one in or near either Buffalo or Rochester NY? I'm going to Rochester tomorrow.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Don't get the clone, get the real thing. It's not the same materials for less money, it's cheaper materials for less money. When it comes to tools, cheaper is always more expensive. If you have to replace the cheapie two or three times, how does that amount compare to buying a good one in the first place? Add in frustration and delays, and the expensive one becomes a bargain.

Take a look at eBay. Here's a new one for $77.30:

http://cgi.ebay.com/936-12-P-93612-P...QQcmdZViewItem

That's a pretty good deal considering the use you'll get from it. I put about five years of solid use on mine before upgrading to a Hakko desoldering station. I gave the 936 to a friend who continues to use it regularly.

 

[bperboy]

I bought my REAL 936 at Matelectronics.com; no complaints. You could probably just get it at mouser too.

 

[soloz2]

I'm thinking that HMC seems like the best place to get it from... free shipping if I get the total over $100.

what tips should I get? I could really also use a desoldering pump so I picked out one that isn't too expensive. how does this look?

936ESD Hakko 936 / 936-12 ESD Safe Soldering Station, Variable Temperature, ESD-Safe $80.20 $80.20
900MT08D Hakko 900M-T-0.8D Soldering Tip for 900MESD Macro Iron, .03" Screwdriver $6.00 $6.00
900MT12D Hakko 900M-T-1.2D Soldering Tip for 900MESD Macro Iron, .045" Screwdriver $5.10 $5.10
900MT1C Hakko 900M-T-1C Soldering Tip for 900MESD Macro Iron, .04" Single Flat $5.80 $5.80
900MTB Hakko 900M-T-B Soldering Tip for 900MESD Macro Iron, .02" Conical $5.10 $5.10
599 Hakko Wound "Wire" Tip Cleaner $9.60 $9.60
SS350 Edsyn Static-Safe Soldapullt Challenger (aluminum barrel) $11.60 $11.60
LS363 Edsyn Low-Static Repl. Tip for SS350 $3.00 $3.00

 

[mb3k]

Hmm, in my DIY world I've never used desoldering pumps. Desoldering braid is far more superior IMHO. So get a pump if you tend to find yourself soldering under the influence...

 

[jl123]

Get it from hmc. They have taken over a grand of my money for good reason. Ok I should be ashamed of that.

 

[soloz2]

ordered from HMC

can't wait to actually get it now!

I also got a desoldering pump a pair of cheap tweezers and a hakko tip cleaner thing.

 

[soloz2]

well my hakko 936 is on its way to me... is there a guide for what temps to use for different applications? I'm new to the DIY and soldering... and now w/ theis soldering station I'll have more to learn

 

[flutie04]

i use about 600F for soldering threw hole parts and about 700F for chassis connectors and cables

 

[soloz2]

good to know, how about recabling headphones? I know actually soldering the wires to the speakers is kinda sensitive