Need Recommendations for a Decent Soldering Iron for Hobby Work

• 

  Chris2027 on 31/07/2018 - 16:28

  +1

  Hi,

  These you have listed all look like the old thermal type tips (don't buy them, it's 2018 ;) ), I can recommend the TS-100, which does cost a bit more ($60 ebay / amazon) than the ones you have listed so it depends on what your plans are.

  The TS-100 also requires a power supply which usually isn't included, I just use a laptop power supply for mine. It rapidly heats up to 350c, senses when you pick it up so it isn't alway running at max heat.

  Then there is the cost of tips too, (it comes with one which may suit your requirements) I think I paid around $28 for 2 different extra tips.

  You can google TS100 Review for more details.

  I hope this helps!

  • 

    Mel-waukee on 31/07/2018 - 16:33

    I'm inclined to consider it but it above my budget :-(

    Appears to be a good iron.

    • 

      pinchies on 31/07/2018 - 19:33

      +1

      Cheap soldering irons are false economy in my experience. They may last fine for some people, but I have used close to 5 cheap ones that didnt last. I use a hakko myself that hasnt failed me yet, and the TS100 is incredible value for money. Personally, I think if you can't afford a reasonable iron, perhaps you should save up more, before you dive into a new hobby. No hobby ends up being fun if you are cutting corners everywhere with cheap tools.

• 

  geek001 on 31/07/2018 - 16:41

  +1

  Whatever you are getting, get one with a holder, I burnt a little bit of my carpet last weekend because I didn't have a holder for my soldering iron and it rolled off the table. :)

  • 

    airzone on 31/07/2018 - 17:10

    And you didn't try and catch it by the tip? lol

• 

  airzone on 31/07/2018 - 17:12

  +4

  Just get a rip-off hako..

  e.g. https://hobbyking.com/en_us/soldering-station-with-adjustabl…

  • 

    cheeseandbacon on 31/07/2018 - 17:16

    This is the way to go.

    The Yihua 936.

    There are tonnes of reviews online for it and pretty much every man and their dog sells it, including spare tips, etc.

  • 

    Axelstrife on 31/07/2018 - 17:19

    I got one of these for like $10 delivered off ebay.
    Bargain especially at that price.

  • 

    SnoozeAndLose on 31/07/2018 - 17:26

    There is same one on ebay for about $40.may not be Hokka but very similar

• 

  idjces on 31/07/2018 - 17:16

  +2

  Hakko are good quality, mine's been great (after all the budget crap i went through in previous years)

• 

  Ragnarok1983 on 31/07/2018 - 23:51

  +1

  Get a proper Hakko, costs a bit more but will last several lifetimes. FX-888 for entry model, followed by FX-950