[Slickone]

I'm thinking about getting the (Aoyue) CSI-2901 from circuitspecialists.com and want to go ahead and order tips with it since I think their shipping is really high to even just get a tip later. Is there anywhere cheaper to get the tips? And is there anywhere without overpriced shipping if just need to get one tip later on?

This is what I'll likely be soldering:
Deans Ultra T-connectors and bullet connectors (for electric RC planes)
LED's to wire (probably not to PCB's)
wire tinning
I'm no pro, but am going to attempt to solder a component on the PCB's of a camera and an mp3 player, so I do need a very fine tip.
Maybe some other light PCB work.

Which shape and size tips should I get? There are so many, it's really overwhemling. For the CSI-2900 series, the tips are listed here. Circuit Specialists doesn't list what tip their 2900 series comes with, but if it's the same tip (I don't see why it wouldn't be) as it comes from Aoyue, Aoyue states theirs comes with the LF-2B.


Also someone said Hakko 936 tips work in the CSI-Station1, but the 2900 series irons looks different than the Stationx irons. So will Hakko tips work in the 2900 irons too? I'm guessing not, after reading this (he's replying to user linuxworks who has the station2a).
You can also see the differences in the irons on Aoyue's website for the 2900 series and the 900 series.



As far as the station itself, I thought about getting the CSI-2900, but someone said the digital display went bad on their similar Station2a. So I wouldn't have to worry about that part going bad with the 2901. Is that the best choice?
This person says the 2900 is great.

I'm not really looking for advice on what all brands/stations people have and recommend. Thanks.

 

[igotyofire]

weller wlc100 gets my vote, easy to find tips for it.

 

[Slickone]

You didn't read the post. I'm not looking for votes.

Quote:

I'm not really looking for advice on what all brands/stations people have and recommend.

 

[luvdunhill]

I'd go with a Weller. Tips are easier to find and lots of places without overpriced shipping to get them from.

 

[Emooze]

I have a Hakko 936 and love it. A bit more expensive but very well built and tips are available with free shipping direct from Hakko themselves.

 

[srserl]

The 2901 is a great soldering station for the price. The 70 watts and tips with integrated heater is also perfect for r/c hobby use (those large gauge wires and such).
For general purpose through-hole pcb soldering, I like the LF-24D bevel tip, and for surface mount, I like the LF-1BC or LF-1BCF (don't see what the difference is, and they don't have the number on them or I could tell you which one I actually have). For larger work like r/c airplanes, I like LF-4D.

I recommend one of these tip cleaners as well. Don't forget to choose your free gift for orders over $50...I like the large multimeter they often give away, but I also got a cheap set of pliers once that has been useful.

 

[Slickone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvdunhill /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd go with a Weller. Tips are easier to find and lots of places without overpriced shipping to get them from.

Guys, once again, I'm not looking for advise on soldering stations (other than the ones I mentioned). I don't want to turn this thread into a debate, so thanks, but I don't want a Weller. Besides, that's why I'm ordering tips along with the iron...overpriced shipping avoided. And even if I ordered a few tips later, it would still come out cheaper than a comparable Weller.

 

[Slickone]

Thank you, srserl!