Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: 72Blazer on March 31, 2022, 01:55:32 pm

Title: Need a new solder station
Post by: 72Blazer on March 31, 2022, 01:55:32 pm

Well it looks like my Weller WESD51 just bit the dust.  It gives me a code 902 and won't heat up at all.

Any suggestions on a replacement these days?

Vr
J.

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: acheld on March 31, 2022, 06:28:51 pm

I am partial to Hakko products.  Got an FX-951 as a retirement gift, and it is fabulous. I really like the easy tip changes, and fast / precise heat.    It is pricey, though.

There are other Hakko models that are very good at cheaper price points.

I should say that Weller makes some good stuff as well -- I'm just not well acquainted with their products now.

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: Blueboozer on March 31, 2022, 07:31:42 pm

I have a Hakko FX888D that works great. It's just over $100. it heats up really fast, is consistent and hasn't let me down yet. The only downside is no auto shutoff after no activity. I have signs pretty much everywhere on my exit path reminding me "Turn off Hakko".

Maybe when I retire I'll go for the FX951, if I can remember...

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: mresistor on March 31, 2022, 08:36:22 pm

Quote from: Blueboozer on March 31, 2022, 07:31:42 pm

I have a Hakko FX888D that works great. It's just over $100. it heats up really fast, is consistent and hasn't let me down yet. The only downside is no auto shutoff after no activity. I have signs pretty much everywhere on my exit path reminding me "Turn off Hakko".

Maybe when I retire I'll go for the FX951, if I can remember...

Put it on on a timer just incase ..

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: 72Blazer on April 02, 2022, 08:30:41 pm

I got lucky and scored a used WESD51 station and PES51 soldering pen for $50.00 on eBay.

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: Latole on April 22, 2022, 03:03:43 am

Quote from: 72Blazer on April 02, 2022, 08:30:41 pm

I got lucky and scored a used WESD51 station and PES51 soldering pen for $50.00 on eBay.

I bought one brand new from a kijiji seller.
Pen won't last few months
I order a new pen ( $75 ? )
My next soldering station; Hakko,  never Weller
Was I bad lucky ?

Before I have a Weller soldering station wich last 40 years a WTCP. the best one

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: acheld on April 22, 2022, 06:26:06 pm

Yah, I feel your pain.   But brands come and go, wax and wane, and such as it is . . . Hakko is at the top for now and the foreseeable future (but not forever . . .).    I really like my FX-951 and its flexibility.  I suspect their less expensive FX888 is very good as well.

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: Latole on April 23, 2022, 03:22:15 am

Quote from: acheld on April 22, 2022, 06:26:06 pm

Yah, I feel your pain.   But brands come and go, wax and wane, and such as it is . . . Hakko is at the top for now and the foreseeable future (but not forever . . .).    I really like my FX-951 and its flexibility.  I suspect their less expensive FX888 is very good as well.

 "But brands come and go, wax and wane, and such as it is"

You are right !
My new Weller pen work since 4 years now and I use it every 2 weeks.
Was I badlucky with the first one ?

Title: Re: Need a new solder station
Post by: owen on April 25, 2022, 02:26:42 pm

Quote from: 72Blazer on April 02, 2022, 08:30:41 pm

I got lucky and scored a used WESD51 station and PES51 soldering pen for $50.00 on eBay.

very lucky. the weller is my favorite station, and i’ve used them every place I’ve worked. the new model is a total wreck, however (multiple failures on brand new units) and I switched to hakko.

I may try to repair this old weller I have or search ebay.