Getting a New Iron

[emstin1]

After 4 pedals, I'm starting to think that I'm not as bad a solderer as I thought, and my ratshack iron really is making it harder to solder.  So I've decided to spend a few extra bucks and get a decent iron. This one looks nice http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888.html, and everything I've heard about Hakko irons has been good. Anyone ever use this particular model?   Thanks for the input in advance.

[phector2004]

I picked up a Hakko 936 station for Xmas.

It's a breeze to use! Heats up in under 30 secs and stays hot when soldering many things in a row
Temp control is a nice feature too, as is the auto-shutoff. Feels sturdy and the tips don't wear out after 3 pedals (4 in your case? )

I can't comment on how it competes with other irons, nor can I comment on how the fx888 is compared to a 936, but it'll definitely be a step up from the radio shack iron!

I got mine on sale, but you might also want to look at some of the Hakko clones out there (Xytronics, I think?)
They're cheaper, and I've heard pretty good things about them.


EDIT: Looks like it's a rehoused 936! Based on the charts and graphs, it looks like they've improved it a bit, too

[emstin1]

Auto shutoff is a must for me, so that's a plus.   I have a tendency to leave everything on; stove, soldering iron, clothes iron, tv and assorted game consoles.  I should put a timer on all my outlets. I think they discontinued the 926, and this is the replacement so I'd assume it's comparable w/o looking at the specs of each. I've actually gone through 2 tips already, mind you I've done a few noisemakers and a buttload of guitar repairs/mods besides the pedals.  I looked at a few Xytronics but I figure I might as well spend the money for a decent iron if I'm already spending $30 or whatever.

[LucifersTrip]

After 4 pedals, I'm starting to think that I'm not as bad a solderer as I thought, and my ratshack iron really is making it harder to solder.

what about the RS iron is making it hard to solder?   As long as you have a good tip, they should be cool enough...replacements are $2

[aron]

The RS iron is usable. I got one of those weller soldering stations and the temperature control is great.

[Pigyboy]

I have had a million irons and I just spent 8 bucks on a cheap vellemman VTS15 - 15 watter and bought 10 tips from westbalt for $15. The thing gets plenty hot and the tips are nice and small and pointy and compared to others I can grind the tips down once they dull and they still work great. I am good for a few years for less than $25. I use the wet sponge method for cleaning, not one of the brass scrubby pads though I have one I got from Lucifer's Trip. I find the scrubby pads tear up the tips. Always remember to tin that tip and keep everything clean - never leave a hot tip between uses without a big glob of solder on it to keep it happy. There is a definite art to soldering. I used to have to go to mil-spec solder training 2 weeks a year when I worked for General Dynamics. Lots involved and it is easy to ruin expensive iron tips if you are not careful.
Cheers,
Chris

[therecordingart]

I picked up the Aoyue 937 last winter and it has been amazing. I even did some SMD work with it a few days ago.

http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-937-Digital-Soldering-Station/dp/B000I30QBW

[emstin1]

After 4 pedals, I'm starting to think that I'm not as bad a solderer as I thought, and my ratshack iron really is making it harder to solder.

what about the RS iron is making it hard to solder?   As long as you have a good tip, they should be cool enough...replacements are $2

The particular model I bought can only take these stubby tips.  They're like the clubbed thumbs of tips. And I tin that thing like no one's business, but it just won't transfer heat very well. It;s just frustrating and makes it less than enjoyable to solder.  Then again, maybe I am just bad at soldering.  Who knows?  Can't hurt too bad.  But I also understand that a new fancy iron isn't going to make me an expert solderer.

[arawn]

I got my tenma station second hand, and it has been nothing but a joy to work with. Heats up fast, pointy tips that last forever temp control. Ive also used a few wellers professionally and mostly they were very good.I just wouldn't skimp on an iron after having a good one, it's an investment in your hobby

[LucifersTrip]

After 4 pedals, I'm starting to think that I'm not as bad a solderer as I thought, and my ratshack iron really is making it harder to solder.

what about the RS iron is making it hard to solder?   As long as you have a good tip, they should be cool enough...replacements are $2

The particular model I bought can only take these stubby tips.  They're like the clubbed thumbs of tips. And I tin that thing like no one's business, but it just won't transfer heat very well. It;s just frustrating and makes it less than enjoyable to solder.  Then again, maybe I am just bad at soldering.  Who knows?  Can't hurt too bad.  But I also understand that a new fancy iron isn't going to make me an expert solderer.

you're probably not bad at soldering...you're just using the wrong tips. a pencil point tip is the way to go:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062739

[boogietone]

I use a Hakko 936. No real issues dealing with PCBs.