I took GRJ's advice and bought and use the Hakko FX888 soldering station. I like it so much that I wonder about the FX951-66...might be even better.
Somebody talk me out of it...
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Chuck,
What are the additional features with the -66 model. All I really saw aside from a fancier control unit is that it packs an additional 5W of power.
Also what are the paddles for?
Hi,
Yes fancier, looks a little easier to change the temp. And maybe not have to relabel the buttons as recommended by GRJ so you don't destroy the calibration. I resisted relabeling them on the FX888 and did destroy the calibration. Now they are labeled. The paddles are for unsoldering some SMD resistors and capacitors I think. I think you have to order that separately. There is also a key to lock in the temp so you can't accidently change it. And the heat transfer temperature is supposed to be tighter.
I think it's pretty nice.
Due in large measure to the passionate reviews here, I bought an FX-888x with a bunch of tips. Another soldering station was the LAST thing I needed, but y'all made me feel left out.........
It is a good iron, VERY good for the price, but it is physically larger than I was expecting. You can get fine tips for it but your hand is always quite a distance from the work. I read the instructions before I tried it so the button arrangement doesn't bother me like it bothers others. I have some other stuff that sets "by the digit" so I am somewhat accustomed to that.
If I had it to do over, I would probably get the FX-951-66, mainly because the power unit also accepts the FM-2032 micro iron, which is of the tiny dimensions that I appreciate for delicate work.
Just my $.02 worth. NO refunds.
It's probably a nicer station, but it's also a lot more money. Since I have no issues using the FX-888 wand, I am perfectly happy with the $100 iron. You have about $450 spent for the two pieces, that's a new diesel locomotive. 
I've also limited myself to 0603 component sizes in my work, a man's got to know his limitations. 
@gunrunnerjohn posted:You have about $450 spent for the two pieces, that's a new diesel locomotive.
Yup, that's about what I have in the Weller WMP/WSP80 setup, which was my daily driver before the Hakko. When the Weller poops out I will look at the fancier Hakko. But for now, I have probably 7 or 8 soldering stations, all decent temperature controlled units. And only two hands.
I do have one neat old iron, for a while Weller made a W200, a 200 watt iron with the magnetic temperature controlled tips. You should see how that solders track! A delicate "Big Bruiser," so to speak.
Wow, that's a blast from the past. I also had an old Weller WTCP-L magnetic tip iron, but mine was a smaller station that I believe was 60 watts. I picked it up in the 70's, and I used it for more than 40 years. It's still in service, my daughter took it to use for making jewelry.
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@PLCProf posted:Here ya go. 200W temperature controlled.
More or less. 
The biggest thing for me was getting a good Articulated Magnifying Lamp... once I could see what the heck I was doing I gave all my 50s soldering equipment to my kids and bought the FX-888. I think I paid about 100 for it. Awesome soldering station!
BTW, I've been using the 888 to build a couple QRP transceivers and it's just great. I noticed that the tips work better (kind of seasoned with a slight coating of solder) after a few minutes of use. The solder wicks right down into the plated thru holes so nice.
Still debating on the 951 that I don't need but hey...
@cjack posted:BTW, I've been using the 888 to build a couple QRP transceivers and it's just great. I noticed that the tips work better (kind of seasoned with a slight coating of solder) after a few minutes of use. The solder wicks right down into the plated thru holes so nice.
Still debating on the 951 that I don't need but hey...
I've been using mine to build a DDS VFO for my trusty 2-NT (I expect few here to understand those acronyms.) It is a competent iron, but a bit different after so many years with the Weller.
I definitely like the Hakko stand/sponge holder better. Jury is still out on the brass wool.
The brass wool is great here. It cleans the excess off the tip with just a push-push into it. Hybrid rig, eh? What receiver?
@cjack posted:The brass wool is great here. It cleans the excess off the tip with just a push-push into it. Hybrid rig, eh? What receiver?
2-C / 2-CQ; that is the vintage position, the "main position" is a Flex 6300. The vintage position rotates through various setups, but the 2-C & 2-NT is my favorite.
Nice. I had a 2B and 2BQ back in the day. Should have kept it. All Elecraft now.
