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Soldering station recommendation (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hi all,

Do you have some recommendations for a soldering station that would meet my needs?

I've been into hobby electronics for a few years, doing mostly analog audio projects but recently got into repairing and repurposing broken electronics (Bluetooth earbuds, speakers, USB cables and such).

I've been using a cheap Parkside(LIDL)-rebranded "generic Chinese product" (I came across the exact same model on AliExpress, in different colors); which has served me well until now but has a few flaws that I can't be bothered with anymore. Mainly: -it takes ages to get hot. -the cable going from the station to the iron is super thick and stiff, which is annoying as hell...

I would like it to be the least expensive possible, while being good enough I'd be happy with it for the foreseeable future.

I have been looking at these:

Old tech, cheap tips (<1€)

Newer tech, "expensive" tips (8-10€)

And wondering how these "newer" types of iron compare to stations, what are the main drawbacks?

Thanks a lot in advance for any input, Please be gentle if you think I'm an idiot :)

Edit: changed the "Smolderin" in title to "soldering"

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I suffered with 15w and 25w RadioShack irons for a decade. Pitted tips, insulation melted to the barrel, friggin trash.

For my birthday I got a Hakko fx888d. I wish I'd got it 10 years ago. They sell the iron and the tips at microcenter, and I got an assortment while I was there. Well, they used to. Last time I was there, three electronic components were on closeout...

My point it, it's $150 well spent. I didn't dig too deep researching irons, but knew that hakko was a classic. I think anything with a temperature sensor and adjustable output and easy to find parts will make you very happy.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

Pitted tips 🥲 I know your pain. I ended up taking it off but I was going to write I'd like to not go over 150€, so this is perfect. Thanks for your input!