Soldering Station - which one?

[DigiPete]

Looking to buy one of these:

Hakko 936-12 ESD

or

Weller WES51

Any comments on pros/cons for each model?

Has anyone got experience with both?

Thanks

Pete

[n_maher]

I've only used the Hakko but it is a very nice piece. It heats up in about 10 seconds and seems to have very good recovery even during heavy use. I don't think you can go wrong with either and the price difference is only about $10 from what I found during quick searches.

My 2

[aerius]

I highly recommend a Pace PRC2000 soldering & rework station. It's only $4500 or so these days, back when I was in the electronics assembly industry they cost something like $10,000. You can solder and rework anything except BGA's with one of those babies.

On a more serious note, I find both the Hakko & Weller work about the same in actual use, but the Hakko fits my hand a lot better. The Weller feels kinda awkward and I never felt comfortable with it. I'd be fine with it for most soldering, but not for surface mount parts or other small things.

[DigiPete]

Ahhh... if only money were no object

[thrice]

Another vote for the Hakko. I love that iron, so easy to use and I also think it feels better in my hand than the Weller.

[DigiPete]

OK the Hakko 936 has been ordered

Now what shall I build next...

[JBLoudG20]

Beta 22?

[DigiPete]

Beta 22?

Hmmm... thought about it.

I might build a 2-ch and compare it to my Dynamite (2-ch) using the Dynamite power supply;

to decide if I want to build 2 more channels and the sigma 22 PSU.

[aerius]

OK the Hakko 936 has been ordered

Now what shall I build next...

Espressivo Headphone Amplifier, because someone has to build one...

[aerius]

Apparently it sounds pretty good too, it was featured at a Seattle (I think) meet about 5 or 6 years ago and the impressions were quite favourable. I think Eric343 heard it but I'm not too sure.