Selecting a Hakko soldering station

So, basically (if I followed what you wrote), you use the temp button to raise or lower the temp to the new (calibrated) temp? And then use the preset to keep it?

Love Hakko irons and desoldering stations.  Where ever I go to a new job I make sure the new company gets Hakko irons.

This ones on my work bench.

I'll do this the lazy man's way.   I attached the user's manual for the FX-888D.

You do NOT do what you specified.  There is a temperature setting mode and a calibration mode, you need to follow the calibration procedure to calibrate the temperature.  Then, you can use the temp setting to vary the temperature of the iron based on the job.

The FG100-02 is the Fahrenheit version.  The FG100 is the Celsius version.  Most of the reduced price ones on Ebay are the Celsius models.

Got it......thanks, John.

The second best thing about using this soldering station was switching to 63/37 solder. Wonderful stuff.

Roger

Good point, but having someone do a 5 second conversion isn't worth $180!  The Celsius version works just fine for me.

The second best thing about using this soldering station was switching to 63/37 solder. Wonderful stuff.

You could do that with any soldering iron.

First, used my FX888D for the first time yesterday and what a pleasure!  I never realized soldering could be so easy. 

Second, I ordered a spare iron, extra tips and a calibrating unit, all supposedly Hakko, all from an eBay seller in Hong Kong, and at very reasonable prices and free shipping.  I got shipping confirmation the day after I ordered them.  Will hold my breath until I receive them and then will post the results.

The calibrating unit is in C, but for over a $170.00 savings, I can do a lot of converting.

Jim

I could have used it with my old soldering iron/gun, but I didn't even know about it. The topic of solder came up on an older thread about this soldering station and you suggested the 63/37 and I figured I'd try it. Never looked back

Roger

Let us know about the Hakko tips, if they're genuine Hakko and cheaper than the states, I'm all ears.

John, this is where I ordered them.  will keep you posted.

Jim

FX-8801 65W Compatible Soldering iron handle+ 5 Tips for HAKKO FX-888 FX-888D US

That's why I asked, that's "compatible".  Nothing wrong with it, but you'll find the tips don't last like the Hakko tips.  That's why I'm looking for a deal on the real Hakko brand tips.

The clone handle I got seems to work fine, I have no reason to think it won't perform like the Hakko one, just the tips.

 I see the 888D-23Y offered for about $95alone or for $125 with 5 extra tips. Do the tips need to be replaced often or would it make more sense to just buy the soldering station and buy extra tips later if needed? The 5 tip assortment is S-3,D08,D12,D24,and D32. Would they be appropiate for model railroading purposes? ......DaveB

The problem with the tip assortment that comes with the iron sets is you'll only have a use for one or two.  It's more cost effective to just buy the iron and the tips you'll actually use separately.

As for what tip is appropriate, it depends on what you do with it.  Since I do a lot of PCB work, I have the fine point tip as my standard.  I have the other handle with a chisel-point tip for heavier tasks if I need it.

" As for what tip is appropriate, it depends on what you do with it. "

   Thanks for the advice.  I'll be using it for soldering track feeder wires and details on train cars such as brass steps, ladders, etc.  Also general soldering like wire handrails on industrial building models , fences, and other layout details plus occasional loco wiring of DCC and sound.   I guess I'd need maybe three tips? A small one for the DCC wiring, a medium size for the detail work and a larger one for track feeders? Can you suggest tip sizes for a three tip assortment? .......Thanks DaveB 

I usually use my Weller gun for track work, I find the soldering station doesn't have the power needed.

I'd probably recommend a similar move, it's much easier to do track with enough power.  As for specific tip recommendations, I'd just get what seems reasonable and see how it works out.

John and All,

The least expensive genuine Hakko T-18 series of tips I have found are at Kimco Distributors, gokimco.com.  You can buy individual tips, free shipping and the prices for the T-18's range from about $5.50 to $8.00.

Jim

Turns out you have to buy at least $25 worth or they tack on a "handling charge", so the shipping isn't really free unless you want a few of them.

I wish this thread was a 'sticky' because there is so much valuable information here. Those of you who've contributed to this thread have answered all the questions one needs to make a decision on buying a soldering station, not just this brand either.

Some of the provided links are fantastic and I found myself discovering other awesome products for my tool box!

Thanks to everyone!

BTW, I can't solder anything with a soldering iron-with a resistance unit, I'm a pro!  If you're going to do any brass projects a soldering station is invaluable and worth every penny in frustration prevention!

My replacement handle arrived earlier in the week and my FG-100 arrived from China this morning, so I got to test both handles with it just now. I was a bit concerned with the replacement handle as the tip that came with it is not the same size as original Hakkos. When I put an original in there, there was a gap (which is filled by a longer flange on the original). No matter......both handles measured exactly the same temp (304 degrees C....579F......when base is set at 600F). So, I guess I can recalibrate to bring the temp up 20 degrees.

Great deal on that FG....$12.88.....crazy.

-Roger

grj, that's exactly the same advice Jim Barrett gives in his soldering tutorial in OGR run 263, April-May 2013, article which is available to digital subscriber's--an iron for the finer soldering, and the gun for track work.

Ditto regarding the comments on using 63/37 solder.

Jim must be a very smart fellow.

John,

How's that brass brush working out?

-Roger

Funny thing, I was going to comment on that, but I thought I'd send email.  It works fine, it does clean the tip very well.  When I'm just soldering a bunch of stuff and want to periodically clean the tip, I still find it more convenient to use the brass sponge.  The brush is good for surface mount, you want the iron really clean to start.

Thanks again.

No problem.  I find that when melted insulation gets on it (either by accident or purposely when melting off insulation on very thin wires), the sponge just doesn't do it. I keep a trash can next to my work area and each time I solder, I brush the tip off with about 4 or 5 strokes. Keeps it completely tinned. 

-Roger

I try not to meld insulation onto my iron.

You're right, you can clean the tip more thoroughly with the brush, it just takes a bit longer.

John,

I just attempted to change the calibration from 600 degrees to 579 (which is what the FG read). Hit ENTER and measured it.  Exactly 600 degrees. I am very impressed with this thing. Another toy to play with.

-Roger

Can't beat it for $12, right?

Well, technically less than $13...

And free ship from China. Crazy good. 

I just received my spare Hakko soldering iron from Hong Kong, well packed and ahead of schedule.  I am convinced the iron is a genuine Hakko as it is identical to my original that came with the station furnished by a US supplier.  I am sure the extra tips are knockoffs as if you look closely with a magnifying glass at the Hakko tips you will see several minute numbers engraved on it including the tip number.  The extra tips had no such engraving,however, the pencil tip furnished with the iron did have the Hakko engraving which further convinces me the iron is the real thing.

But I have been fooled before!!

Jim Lawson

I think you're right, you got the real thing.  I got a knockoff, but it was cheap and appears to work as well as the original.  Since it only comes out with the alternate tip, I'm not too concerned.