soldering stations>$60 incl. hakko 936 clones from Circuit Specialists

[spoo76]

So Ive been tired of my cheap radio shack irons for a while. Im not a heavy user yet they never last or heat up well.
My needs are fairly typical. adjustable, quick startup and recovery, easy to find and replace tips.
while looking around everyone always seems to love and recommend the hakko 936, but I rarely find them for less than $80 new and thats a bit more than i want to spend right now.
after searching Ive come across the 936 clones. the best and most popular models seem to come from http://www.circuitspecialists.com aka webtronics
They have a few in the 60-70 watt range and wasn't sure which to get.

I think I am going with this
$49 60 watt dual core ceramic heater CSI-station-3DLF
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/10369

but there are also these ..
70 watts CSI-2901 $49 http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8395

70 watt CSI-2900 w/ digital display $59
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8396

If you are on an even tighter budget for $29 this is the
CSI-STATION1A 45 watt hakko clone thats had plenty of good reviews and supposedly can use hakko tips ( some of the other CSI irons do as well though i dont know which )
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307


from all the searches on forums and google these seem to be great bang for the buck. many hakko owners also swear by some of these.

I just thought i would share for those looking and wondered if anyone had any input

 

[TexasSP]

I would say for me it's not a big enough price difference to go generic seeing as a warranty is probably nonexistent. The new hakko's are also out now and are only 85 from stormer hobbies:

https://www.ssl-stormerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/seekpart.pl?src=ns&pn=HAKFX888RCP

 

[killswitch]

The higher the wattage rating, the better the iron will be able to transfer the heat to your project and keep the tip and your project hot at the same time. Don't go by temp ratings. A 15 or 25w iron can get to 950*, but it can't keep the tip hot once you start using it, which leads to frustration. In my years of racing and using soldering irons in a work setting, you can't beat a weller or haiko.

 

[Boogie]

I would say for me it's not a big enough price difference to go generic seeing as a warranty is probably nonexistent. The new hakko's are also out now and are only 85 from stormer hobbies:

https://www.ssl-stormerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/seekpart.pl?src=ns&pn=HAKFX888RCP

X2, I'd rather pay the little extra and have the Hakko warranty and overall peace of mind.
As far as the FX-888, ehhhh...I'll keep my 936, that thing looks like a toy.

 

[TexasSP]

The higher the wattage rating, the better the iron will be able to transfer the heat to your project and keep the tip and your project hot at the same time. Don't go by temp ratings. A 15 or 25w iron can get to 950*, but it can't keep the tip hot once you start using it, which leads to frustration. In my years of racing and using soldering irons in a work setting, you can't beat a weller or haiko.

x2, the hakko's heat up quickly and stay hot, never had a cold tip issue with mine. I can tell you I have with other irons and it is frustrating at the very least.

X2, I'd rather pay the little extra and have the Hakko warranty and overall peace of mind.
As far as the FX-888, ehhhh...I'll keep my 936, that thing looks like a toy.

The FX-888 is the replacement/upgrade to the 936. I have no need for it as my 936 is going three years plus strong with the original tip! If I was in the market that would be my choice though.

 

[Boogie]

The FX-888 is the replacement/upgrade to the 936. I have no need for it as my 936 is going three years plus strong with the original tip! If I was in the market that would be my choice though.

Yeah, I'd probably look at one if I were shopping for a new one, I just like the looks of the 936 better. Although I am a bit biased, mine has the UpgradeRC skins on it, so it looks like it's tearin' ass around my work bench. :twisted:

 

[spoo76]

Ive read the FX-888 is already being replaced due to power supply issues or something

as far as the other solder stations the CSI seems to have done well for many including those that also own a hakko 936. for the price i gave the 60 watt a shot. should be fine for most of my needs. and can use my 140 watt weller gun for the rest. also came with a decent free multi meter as well

 

[Ghostkid]

I love my hakko 936. I got it at Frye's for $54.00. You just have to watch there adds or call them on Fridays when there new add comes out. The tip selection hakko has is great and the iron just works great for all the jobs I've put it through.

I like to save money on things but that's one I would go for the good brand and not knock off.