$100 to buy a soldering station. Hmmm...

[Captainobvious99]

Here are the models I'm looking at. I've been using the cheapo Radio Shack model and the gun style RS model for wiring projects, but I need something better for the more precision work I'll be doing with the DIY effect boards. Thanks for any input you can give.

This one is said to be the same as a Hakko 936. Interchangeable tips and wand, seperate holder/sponge. $40 
Circuit Specialists CSI-Station1A
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

This one is a Weller WLC100 model. Interchangeable tips and a digital display, BUT the wand appears to be hard wired and not easily changed/replaced. $59
http://www.action-electronics.com/wewlc100.htm


The other is a Weller WES51 model. Interchangeable tips, replaceable wand and element, 50 watts (350F-850F) $99
http://www.action-electronics.com/wewes51.htm

I'm leaning toward the CSI station1A as it has nicer features than the WLC100 and is cheaper than both of the Wellers. Do any of you have experience with that model?

[Ripthorn]

I have heard very good things about the Hakko, but I personally use a Xytronics 379 and love it.  Kicks the crap out of all the wellers I have tried except for a ghetto old, no temp controlled wlctp or something like that.  Then again, I guess I haven't tried more than about 6 wellers, so I can't say anything about all of them.  Just my experience.

[Filament]

Several members here (including myself) swear by the 379.  It's only a biscuit more than the one you linked to and I can tell you mine has been going strong for a couple of years now.  I know for a fact that this is also the same station that Analog Mike uses and that man solders a LOT.  I used to have a nice Weller and frankly the Xytronics is better.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7501

Oh, and the multi-meter that comes as the "free gift" is actually pretty useful.  It's been on my bench as long as the iron has and it replace my previous meter because it measures capacitance.  Heck, the price is right.

[Captainobvious99]

Awesome stuff guys, thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out the Xytronics link right now... 

[Captainobvious99]

About the Xytronics unit... is the cord/iron replaceable? Is that something I should be concerned with really for an iron in this price range?

Thanks

[rnfr]

+1 for the xytronics!! i love mine, got it a year ago. left it on overnight too many times to count .  works like a champ, and heats up crazy fast.  i only recently replaced the tip, and it probably wasn't absolutely necessary.   

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Don't worry about getting a hakko 'clone', I've heard good things about them.
And remember, whatever iron you buy, be sure you will be able to buy tips for the rest of your life.. fortunately there is someone cloning Hakko tips as well, so I am set.

[Ripthorn]

They Xytronics iron can be replaced, just make sure that if you ever have to, don't get the 106U and 106V irons confused.  One is the 110V version, the other is a 220V version.  Same thing with the station itself, the 379 is 110V and the 369 is the 220V.  Xytronics tips are a little less common, but I still found exactly the one I wanted at my local hole-in-the-wall electronics supply place and you can get them from several online suppliers (Howard Electronics, Vetco, etc.).

[modsquad]

Hakko...Hakko...Hakko...Hakko...Hakko...

[DougH]

I've been very happy with the Xytronics 379 I have. I've been using the same tip for over 5 years now. There are plenty of replacement tips available for it at Circuit Specialists too.

[Captainobvious99]

Good stuff guys, thanks so much for the responses!

Well since you all have had really good experiences with the Xytronics and vouch for it, thats cool for me. No sense in spending twice as much on the better model Weller if I'm not going to see a real difference in quality and result.
I'll be looking to snag the Xytronics unit then. 

EDIT: Doh...they are out of stock...bummer.

[grapefruit]

If you can afford it get a real Hakko. That's all we use here. We tried a Hakko knockoff and it only lasted about a year. Maybe we were just unlucky...

IIRC the place we bought from stopped selling them...

Cheers,
Stewart.

[MasaRGR]

EDIT: Doh...they are out of stock...bummer.

Circuit Specialists was out of stock when I tried to order one too... I ended up getting it from another store -

http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/379.html

No free multimeter and it cost a few bucks more, but I'm very happy with the unit so far.

[Captainobvious99]

Thanks for the link Masa.

What type of a tip cleaner is it that? (The one thats included) Looks like one of those steel dishwashing scrubby's

[Ripthorn]

It's a brass pad.  It works quite well and won't lower the tip temperature like wet sponges can do.  The only bad thing I have found about it is that solder from the tip will get in there and clog the brass over time, so it needs to be replaced occasionally.  I have had my iron a few months and have only had to rotate the brass thing once (there are several rotations' worth of material in there).

[Captainobvious99]

^^Thanks for the explanation.

So I am now down to three choices... I can buy one of the 2 that are available at Circuit Specialists (best prices) AND get a nice free DMM along with it, OR spend more for the unit they are out of stock on from a different supplier and get no DMM. If the 379 really is significantly better than the other 2 models than I don't mind spending the extra few bucks, but if not...

Here are the three models:

Xytronic 379UL http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7501
CSI Station 1A http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9747
BlackJack BK2000F http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9747

My fiance is going to snag one of these for me for Christmas so I want to let her know which one to pull the trigger on. Thanks for your assistance!

[rutledj]

I purchased one of these a couple of years ago and it works terrific

http://www.mpja.com/productsdirect.asp?dept=480&main=79&item1=15860+TL&item2=15845+TL&item3=15140+TL&item4=15141+TL&item5=17204+TL

I had a problem with the heating element burning out on one handle but you can get replacements for $7. I ordered a couple of extra handles but haven't had any other problems with it.

YMMV

Rut

[kvb]

Xytronic 379UL http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7501

I have been using this one for a year so far, and I am very happy with it.

[danielzink]

Got my 379 a few weeks ago and can't say enough good things about it. I got the one from Howard Electronics as Circuit Specialists was out as well.

Someone made the statement that when you get your first "real" soldering iron (Haako, Xylonics et al) it's like you've been a surgeon....only you've been using a butter knife up 'til now. It's true. It took a couple of days to get used to getting the heat right and all.....but it's definitely worth it - and it works like a dream.


I went from this:


to this:







Dan

[sjaltenb]

 

dont you miss how the radio shack iron tips over, burns you, wiggles a bit, gets pretty nasty, and how the little rubber feet leave some nasty residue on everything you put it on???

yeah, i still use one. time to move up