An alternative to the Hobby King Yihua 936 Soldering station?

[DeoreDX]

I have the Hobby King soldering station on backorder the the last couple of weeks. I know it's only need 10-11 days but I'm not the most patient person when it comes to buying stuff I want

937D Soldering Station JP Heater Iron Welding Solder SMD Tool 5 Tips Stand ESD | eBay

I saw on Ebay a different Yihua model, the 937D. It will run about $13 more after shipping and everything is taken into consideration, but it does come with 5 different tips so the price difference isn't that great. It has a digital temp readout but with an analog dial, but sure if the controller is digital or pure analog like the 936. I wonder if it will be a good alternative for not a lot more? Sometimes more features = more points of failure, and the HK 936 clone is a known comodity. Doesn't look like anyone has this one from a little searching on the forums.

A differently branded version is on Amazon for $54 but comes with a new heating element as well as with the 5 tips. It it started getting a couple of weeks into Feb and Hobby King hasn't restocked I might have to try out one of these instead.

Soldering Iron Station with extra heating element &5 tips 937D+ - Amazon.com

 

[rockhugger]

if you click on international warehouse, it says 10+ in stock.

better jump on it.

Soldering Station with Adjustable Heat Range with US Plug

 

[Calderwood]

I love my 936.

 

[Johnnysplits]

I have the Yihua 937D...it's a kick ass soldering station!!! Stop waiting and order it.

 

[Szczerba]

My Hakko 936 lasted for several years but finally took a dump. I was in need of a soldering station and found this one at local radio shack. So far, so good. $70

Digital Soldering Station : Soldering tools & supplies | RadioShack.com

 

[bob1961]

I love my 936.

was going to post this as well "thumbsup" ....I just bought mine at the git go and never had any troubles ;-) ....

 

[Richterat83]

bought my 936 a few weeks ago and love it! You can't beat it for the price!!

But, if you get it, make sure to get a pack of tips for Hakko Station 900M 933

The tip included is small and great for tiny work, but slap a larger tip and soldering Hakko Station 900M 933 or batteries to Deans connectors is cake

 

[bob1961]

I have no issues with the tip on my 936, I even build nimh battery packs with it "thumbsup" ....I don't need no bigger tip :lmao: ....

 

[Richterat83]

That's not what she said

Heyyoooo

 

[Joshs4x4toyz]

I do all my soldering with 40w Weller from home depot. Think it was 13 bucks 5 years ago . Handle gets a little warm these days but I've done everything you can solder in this hobby and 1:1 motor swaps with it. When it falls apart in my hand I may grab a station though. I just use a dish sponge and always store with solder on the tip

 

[monkeyracing]

My Hakko 936 lasted for several years but finally took a dump.

Hey, just curious about what failed on the 936. I've always thought they were indestructible. I've got an 888 and I'm prone to believe the same.

 

[DeoreDX]

Looked today and it is back in stock. Must have just went in stock as my backorder hasn't shipped yet.

 

[bob1961]

I see lots of threads on knock off's of the HAKKO 936 going for a little cheaper then the 936, so why buy a copy when you can have the rear HAKKO :lmao: ....one reply has a link for a 15.00 dollar 936 copy, yeah you get what you pay for....

 

[Richterat83]

Hobby King knock off $15 and works great

Hakko (if you can find one used, minimum of $50) and doesn't do anything different than the knock off.

I'm all for getting what you pay for, but in this case, i am pleasantly surprised with what i get for how little i spent