R/C fan-addict

Hey guys, so I'm in the market for a soldering station. I've used soldering irons until mine recently broke and I think I'm done with them. Not being able to control the temperature, taking a long time to heat up, and having it weigh a lot are the real turnoffs. Plus, this is the second one I've owned in 2 years. They break way too much! So what can you guys suggest in the ~$100 range? I liked the Weller WESD51, it'd be nice to have the temp readout so that you know what temperatures work for which jobs. Any ideas?

Thanks!

-R/C fan

sheograth

That's a totally decent station, I don't think you can do better for the price. If you can squeeze the wallet a bit more, check out some of the entry level Hakko units. They look very old fashioned and basic but the quality is very high, they won't break on you.

NitroVette

I have a Weller WSL and like it a lot. It gets hot very quickly and maintains temp via a temp sensor in the probe. I've used Hakko stations at work and they are good quality also. My unit is like the WES51 except it has pushbuttons instead of a dial. Compared to what most of us have spent on the hobby it's one of the best investments you can make, especially if you run electrics. I have a butane power soldering iron that I keep in my field bag but I use the Weller station most of the time. The great thing about Weller is that you can always get new tips or replacement parts easily.

R/C fan-addict

so I went on the hakko site and I saw some stations for under $100 and then some for around $200. I'm already squeezing the budget a lot with the Weller at $130, so I can't do the $200 Hakko, but is the Hakko 936 ESD any good? How does it compare to the Weller WESD51? Although I probably can't pay this much for the Hakko 937, would it really be worth the money over the WESD51 or the 936 ESD? Thanks for the info guys!

sheograth

I have 2 937s and can't live without them. Between the other 2 I'd get the 936 over the WESD51 - they're both great but I'm a Hakko freak.

R/C fan-addict

why specifically the 936 over the WESD51? I'm a little turned off by Hakko's 90 day warranty as to Weller's year warranty. Still, I have to say I think both should have longer warranties. Sorry about like grilling you, just trying to find out a little info on which station to buy. I appreciate the help man!

04DarkShadowGT

I own the Hakko 936 and comming from a cheapo $20 60 watt iron its amazing the difference. It is everything I am ever going to need. I cant compare it to the Weller model but I am sure they are both similar.

R/C fan-addict

have you guys ever used/heard of Aoyue soldering stations? I saw one, the 2900, that looks comparable to the WESD51, and has a solder spool, at less than half the price of it, $60. Seems a little too good to be true to me, but I dunno...

Mr. Mugen

http://cgi.ebay.com/Soldering-Iron-S...1%7C240%3A1318

I bought this one 2 years back and have soldered daily since. No issues withit. It heats up in under a minute and the tip stays hot on bigger jobs. Mine came with extra tips and an extra wand complete with tip installed.

Kevin