Thread: My 20 year old Soldering iron just died.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

I'm in the market for a temperature controlled iron for small electronic work with a budget up to $200.

Any recommendations for what to buy or what to steer clear of?

For 200 bucks, I'd recommend Weller Temperature Controlled Soldering Station WES51D | eBay. But I'd also advice spending another 30 bucks, and get one of Weller Digital Temperature Controlled Soldering Station WESD51DAU | eBay.

I bought mine from Amazon, which is about 50% of the price. However, it is a 110v unit so I use a step down transformer.

I use Scope soldering irons. They are very good things IMO.

Wiltronics - 100Watt Superscope Soldering Iron

How about this Solder Station from Jaycar??

60W ESD Safe Lead-Free Soldering Station with LCD Panel - Jaycar Electronics

I recently got one of these.
3 IN 1 Soldering Iron HOT AIR Soldering Rework Station DC Power Supply 8583D | eBay

Temp controlled Soldering iron and Hot air gun, and a 50V/5A power supply all in the one unit for $130
It's got some good reviews on the web so I decided to try one out.
I checked the readout temperatures against a quality thermocouple and while it's not bang on what the thermocouple says its pretty close and some of the differences could just be the difficulty of making a comparative measurement.
All in all very good value for money.

I got one of these late last year, and am very happy with it. Good selection of tips with it too.

NEW Soldering Station Digital Display Iron Stand Lead Free ESD Safe 6 Tips | eBay

Originally Posted by chrisb691

I got one of these late last year, and am very happy with it. Good selection of tips with it too.

NEW Soldering Station Digital Display Iron Stand Lead Free ESD Safe 6 Tips | eBay

That unit uses the same soldering iron as the one I bought (8583D)

Some good stuff, thanks.

Originally Posted by BobL

That unit uses the same soldering iron as the one I bought (8583D)

Nothing like it Bob, mine is a 937D.

Originally Posted by chrisb691

Nothing like it Bob, mine is a 937D.

Sure I saw that. The units are different but they both incorporate the same soldering iron

Looks like a copy of a hakko.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Looks like a copy of a hakko.

Yep - I think they even use hakko heater elements in the iron.

Probably the best iron within your budget.

http://www.mektronics.com.au/brands/...g-station.html

Another $50 (over your budget) will get you a nice Weller too, I have a 888 and it is very nice.

Be aware that some of the Hakko rip-offs don't use Hakko tips. The one Jaycar sells for example!

Originally Posted by BobL

I recently got one of these.
3 IN 1 Soldering Iron HOT AIR Soldering Rework Station DC Power Supply 8583D | eBay

Temp controlled Soldering iron and Hot air gun, and a 50V/5A power supply all in the one unit for $130
It's got some good reviews on the web so I decided to try one out.
I checked the readout temperatures against a quality thermocouple and while it's not bang on what the thermocouple says its pretty close and some of the differences could just be the difficulty of making a comparative measurement.
All in all very good value for money.

I bought one of these too about a year ago. Has worked well for me, no complaints for the price. It's really handy having the heat gun.
Steve

Hey Cliffie, I was up there for the day recently, and I scrounged a ute and went to the 2nd hand shop on the left inbound on Mulgrave Rd, near the showground and they had a few. Might be worth a look.
Rgds'
Crocy.