I'd like to step up from the $6 pencil I've been replacing tips on for years to something more durable and controlled. Any suggestions in this price range? This will be used primarily for small home projects.

Thanks in advance.

somegeek

 

Buy an old Weller station on eBay and overhaul as needed. I have one like shown in this posting (no affiliation to to seller). Different tips run different temps. Electromagnet thermostat on tip controls heating. You are better of with a used unit with a good name and access to replacement parts than a new, no name brand and no parts.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weller-W-TC...842?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item484f1f6112

 

Thanks, Gopher. How would you overhaul it?

somegeek

 

All they usually need is a new tip. If more, the magnetic sleeve assmbley is available (just unscrew heater shaft and replace). I have seen some with the switch replaced (some random switch used as replacement) and some have a non-OEM bulb. The whole device is really simple so ther is not much to them. That is why they last 30 years or more.

 

I really like my Hakko 936.

 

Hakko fx-888, you can get it for $80 new. Goofy looking thing but I love it. To be fair other than it I've only ever had crappy radioshack irons.

 

Hakko fx-888, you can get it for $80 new. Goofy looking thing but I love it. To be fair other than it I've only ever had crappy radioshack irons.

+1.. great station.. We've got a bunch of them at work.. no problems ever and they get used and abused.

 

Not familiar with Hakko, probably a good unit but if I didn't have my Pace solder/desolder station I would be looking for a Weller TCP. The one I was using before I bought the Pace was over 20 years old, has the black base which will indicate how old it is. I repaired the iron a couple times over the years but it did it's job and wouldn't hesitate to go back to it..

 

Thanks for the replies. Planning on purchasing the Hakko FX-888 unit. What size chisel tip should I be picking up for smaller work? 2.4mm?

somegeek

 

For close thru-hole work, I like the 900M-T-1.2D. Doesn't the FX-888 come with a 1.6mm tip; maybe you should try that before you decide.

 

I thought it came with a conical tip but I stand corrected. The image on Amazon's page shows a 1.6mm chisel. Thanks.