The FX888D should come with a good flat tip. Get a pencil type tip to go with it and that will cover most jobs.
i've used the same Weller temperature controlled iron for the past 45 years. its flexible range covers anything i've ever attempted as large as #14 stranded to tubular track down to #26 - #30 wire to a microswitch terminal lug. the original tip has never been replaced and is still functioning well. the only thing i've ever replaced is the tip cleaning sponge and i still have 2 of those from the 5-pack i bought decades ago.
the only downside i can think of... maybe they really don't make 'em like they used to(?)
good luck...gary
For folks who like classic (old school) soldering irons, I use an Ungar Princess, Standard line (cork grip), and Imperial soldering irons, with an assortment of heaters and tips.
I don't think any of it is made any longer.
superwarp1 posted:Believe it or not the solder at work has a shelf life and when it expires instead of deposing it, it ends up in my basement
it's about the same ratio as what John gets
I did notice on recent purchases that there is a date on the package. I think the rosin core is probably what deteriorates.
rtr12 posted:GRJ, I figured the Deoxit flux would be better than my old RS flux so I was looking around and found this... Deoxit Rosin Flux Soldering Paste With Headphones. I was drawn to it by the title, does it play tunes while you're soldering?
There's a combo that you don't see sold together everyday! 
I wonder who dreamed up that pairing?
I have heard that using the wet sponge for cleaning the tip will breakdown the tip, Comments?
I find the brass pad is superior to the sponge and lasts a lot longer. The sponges are back in the drawer with soldering supplies and heatshrink. 
nvocc5 posted:Dear rtr12
I have seen or looked at so many different Hakko FX888D sell setup, I must admit I am clueless to which tip does what all I know is that the correct tip for the Hakko FX888D is the style t18 after that I am lost in the electronic forest again.
I did look at Barry suggestion in regards to the Hakko FX888D with the T18-D08/D12/D24/D32/S3, Do I need all these tips? What I am looking for is the basic setup but, any addition information is welcome. I might have to redo a FET on a board or replace a Cap that is bulging on a board and most basic stuff stan2004 specials, GRJ mods or Dale H special but the PLCPROF improvement is way over my head with my limited knowledge of electronics. The last time I did anything like this was back 1986 in Avionics class in High School.
I understand that I will not be able to solder feeder wire to Atlas track with the Hakko FX888D. In this case you would need a 240/325 Watt Weller Soldering Gun as Susan Deat stated, different thread different subject.
Any advise on soldering tips is welcomed.
From the Hakko site it appears the FX888D comes with the T18-B tip. They show that tip being used for surface mount work, but could probably be used for all that you are doing too. I think I would just try that and see how you do. You can get another tip later on if you need it. I have only used 3 tips out of the 5 or 6 I got with the set. Probably only need a couple as TexasSP suggests.
I didn't solder to my Atlas track, I used Ingeniero No1's method with screws into the rail. I was quite pleased with that method, works great and easy to change things if you want to. Here's a link with some good pictures and here's a link that has all the parts he used. Alex has a link to his build thread at the bottom of his posts, lots of good information there as well. Also some good info about using Atlas track there.
gunrunnerjohn posted:rtr12 posted:GRJ, I figured the Deoxit flux would be better than my old RS flux so I was looking around and found this... Deoxit Rosin Flux Soldering Paste With Headphones. I was drawn to it by the title, does it play tunes while you're soldering?
There's a combo that you don't see sold together everyday!
Exactly what I was wondering? Definitely an odd combination. 
Dear All
Thanks for the replies and tips, I just purchased the FX888D and the pencil type tip.
Dear rtr12
Thanks for the tip in regards to the Atlas track feed problem. I might use the same solution for the Super O feed connection. Let me experiment with some Super O and see what results I get and I will post them on the forum.
I just received the HAKKO FX888D... and, it has greatly exceeded my expectations. *Very* good build quality, reaches temperature *very* quickly, *extremely* comfortable (compared to where I was coming from) and easy to setup, adjust and use. I also received the Kester Solder, Deoxit Flux, and Copper Wick. What Fun!
Still waiting on the 5 Diopter 6x7 LED Magnifying lamp... I'll let y'all know how it goes when I can actually *see* what the heck I'm doing.
Thank You All Very Much!
Oh! Yes, it came with the T18-B flat/chisel tip... I also ordered and received the T18-D08 pencil tip...
I think you'll be very happy with the Hakko, it's a fine tool.
Dear gentlemen
Between this thread and the one on Atlas track https://ogrforum.com/t...46#71256347371134946 I decided to purchase the correct tools. I purchased a lot of items from Radio Shack when they went through the reorganization some of them good and mostly bad. The wrong soldering irons, the wrong solder and various other items. I have no one to blame but myself and my inexperience and this is part of the learning curve. On one hand a good mechanic with bad tools no mechanic at all. On the other hand a bad mechanic with good tools does not make him/her a good mechanic either. As I stated before I graduated from novice to intermediate on the skill level and needed to upgrade my tools. This was happening over a period of time and I knew that I had to improve my skills and what was holding me back, I am using the wrong tools!
I believe that I have purchased the last of the Atlas track that I need for this layout tonight. As you folks are the voice of experience are laughing because you have been this road before and you are right and you know I missed something. Thank you for your time, experience, skill, trick and tips.
I will keep all of you posted as to my progress on this project.
Again thank you!
