John's Arcade Forum - Classic Arcade and Pinball Collecting and Restoring Discussion Forum - RETRO MAME - Nintendo Vs Forum

I need a soldering station.  Is this a good one?

That is a very old iron and not a great one at that. its pretty slow to heat up and doesn't hold its temperature. it does have an adjustable temperature which is better than any of those 20W 30W wall outlet ones.

If you can afford it you should get the hakko FX888D
http://www.bdent.com/hakko-fx888d-23by-digital-soldering-station.html

Far better iron, it isn't a weller which is a huge plus, heats up quick and holds its temperature. Only things I don't like about this iron is the handle isn't a pen type and setting the temperature is a pain in the ass but you usually only do that once.

I used to have that iron. I would not really recommend it.

Personally, I would spend a little extra and get a better one.

Don't listen to Ian with his anti-Weller bias. :) They have been around longer than anyone making soldering irons. I swear by mine. I also like that I don't have to mess with the temperature control. It's always the right temp. If it broke, I would get it again.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004W463?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

The one Ian links to looks good for the money, though. No idea how it performs.

it preforms pretty great john. Thanks for asking.

thanks for the advice, guys.

I'm not going to tell you which one I'm getting... but lets just say its blue.

I am  a rookie/complete novice... and not having to set the temperature manually seems pretty damn appealing.

No hard feelings Ian... after all, I need your help with that damned Ikari Warriors/centipede mess I've got over here.

the hakko is the bees knees man I have one, very good iron. being able to set the temperature is a must in my opinion.

Also you should watch this video since your a self admitted soldering novice. very good info here if you can get past his squeaky voice, personally it doesnt bother me but others have complained. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5Sb21qbpEQ

for beginners for certain. The ones that require a tip to set the temperature require you to know exactly which tip you have is for what temp. I have an iron that uses the tip to set the temp but I have 8 different tips for different shapes, jobs and temperatures.

I have never once wished I could set the temperature. It's always the right temperature. From cap kits, to pulling ICs, to removing flybacks and heatsinks. It's always good.

In fact, I don't want to set the temperature. Just do it for me. :)

I have the Hakko, and prefer it over my dads Weller. Also the wire sponge is attached to the irons' cradle super convenient :D

I have this one.  it works pretty good.  its not a hakko or anything but it is better than the no holder weller I was using.

http://www.sra-solder.com/aoyue-basic-soldering-station-936-refurb?gclid=CjwKEAjw8LOsBRDdub-swPW8riISJAAnmS01XuRajTvKaP0bkYsRhmnb3E6Ev_sHd9nXlEOev3A0XxoCmdPw_wcB


(http://static.sra-solder.com/media/catalog/product/cache/8/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/o/aoyue936___03108.jpg)

thanks for all the input guys. very helpful.