Any recommendations for a first soldering station of decent quality? I want something that will allow me some flexibility as I acquire more skills but doesn't cut too deep into my mic-lust fund. Any info/experience is helpful and appreciated. Thanks all-

Chafe

Just get a Weller and be done with it. It'll last for years and you won't
out-grow it.

What about the Haiko 936?

Cheap soldering irons just can't tow the line. The handles get a little too warm; they break down, and you can't find replacement parts...I'd shoot to make your first soldering station potentially your last.

I've got an old Weller WCC 100 that keeps on ticking...I think it's 10 years old now.

A friend just got a Hakko, quite possibly the 936. I've used it, and it's also a good iron, but the tip it came with is a little blunt for my taste. We'll have to wait 10 years to see if it's as reliable as the Weller.

Byron Jacquot

This is definately my thought Byron. I've used the cheapie plug in pen type things with the chisel nub tip and they are downright unfriendly to use. Thanks for the good recommendations all, especially for the model #'s. Cheers-
Chafe

I'd go with a Weller, a weller, orrrrrr a weller. Your choice, but those are my top 3 if I had to buy another one, but the 3 I have have been around for 6years, 10 years and the bench unit is from school days and all are going strong.

I solder all-day everyday. This is the station to buy...don't **** around with a Weller or anything else...

I have only had my Haiko 936 for about a year but so far it has been great. It's comfortable to use--fits me well I guess.

Old habits are hard to break...

I've used a Weller W60 pencil for 30+ years now. Temperature controlled, various tip sizes available.

Bri

Well I am sick of Wellars, every one I have owned recently has blown up just out of warranty. The older ones were OK (circa 1985), but the newer ones I have not had much luck with, so our workshop only has Hakko's, which seem to truck on reliably, and the replacement tips are cheaper too.

Cheers
Tim.

Weller!

/Cojo

Count another Hakko 936 here!

Love my weller.

Another vote for the Weller. They have a nice little digital model for ~$100 and you can new tips just about anywhere.

I was going to get a Hakko. Tim, you sealed the deal. I'm sure your royalty check will arrive shortly.

I've been gone for a couple of weeks so I haven't replied, but thanks for the ideas you guys. Looks like I can easily get into something for less than $100, which is good for me and the Gefell UMT-70S I'm trying to save for. thumbsup Appreciate your time-

Chafe

I love the 936, I also just got an 808 sucker that is possibly the coolest tech tool I have ever bought. It speeds things up incredibly.

Steve

I have used Hakko 926's and 936's for years and, by far, find that these Irons are the superb!

Hakko 936. all size tips and they are real cheap.

I picked up some used Pace equipment and love it. It included a vacum solder extractor system. Makes work a pleasure.

Seems that either the Hakko's or Weller's are just to taste really, and either will work in a shop with reasonable needs very well.

Hell of a lot better than the Radioshack iron that i can't wait to throw away!

ive got an old tennma.... its junk but it works well.... imo... the thing to look for is really availability of replacement tips/styles and temp controll comes it reall handy when your going from making 10 gauge speaker to lifting a surface mount opamp

and one more vote for the Hakko 936