Need help with choseing a soldering station

[sycho123321]

So ive been looking for a decent soldering station for a while and came across this http://www.ebay.com/itm/853D-SMD-DC-Power-Supply-Hot-Air-Iron-Gun-Rework-Soldering-Station-Welder-6-Gift-/181296302846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a361a0afe ive heard alot of great stuff about this iron but am still cautions about this because of its won-hung-low brand    but I really like how it has a hot air gun and the power suppy is a nice addtion too. A lot of people have said they love it so i think i might get it,


Thanks !
Lukas

[dannyf]

still cautions about this because of its won-hung-low brand

Then don't buy.

$90 for a knock-off seem too steep to me.

[sycho123321]

What soldering stations that would be under 100$ would you recondmend ? \


Thanks

[Fsck]

you should be able to snag a hakko fx-888 for around that.

[sycho123321]

ok ill look into that thanks

[dannyf]

What soldering stations that would be under 100$ would you recondmend ?

Get a temperature controlled handle for $10 and send $90 to your favorite charities.

[retiredcaps]

you should be able to snag a hakko fx-888 for around that.

You can't buy the analog version anymore.  You can only get the FX-888D.

Buy the FX-888D from an authorized reputable dealer.  There are many fakes on ebay.

PS. I have a FX-888 from an authorized Canadian dealer and I'm happy with it.  I expect mine to last 20 to 30 years since I rarely use it now.

[xibalban]

Watch Dave's guide, linked below:

http://www.eevblog.com/2011/06/19/eevblog-180-soldering-tutorial-part-1-tools/

Also, if you are a beginner, I doubt that you'd require a hot air tool yet.

[CrashBang]

Dave's guide linked above is really excellent.

As a hobbyist, I shied away from a decent soldering iron until I eventually cracked the piggy bank open - it was the best thing I did.   A good temperature controlled one, with decent tips that didn't corrode when I blinked at them.  If I could do it again I would in a second.

So look for a good deal, but don't waste your money buying a half-baked one. 

[KD0CAC John]

It take more skill to work cheap / bad equipment , then quality equipment .
What you make a mess of with the cheap stuff , may more than overcome the cost of a good tool .

[nanofrog]

As already mentioned, you can get a name brand entry level station for around the same money as what you linked here in the US. The Hakko FX-888D is one, the Weller WES51 is another.

Between the two, Hakko has thicker iron plating on their iron tips (they last longer), but its digital interface isn't as easy to use. The Weller uses a knob if you prefer analog control (easier to use than the FX-888D), but their tips tend to have thinner plating so won't last as long IME. Check out Amazon for additional reviews on both stations. 

TEquipment also offers members a 6% discount on top of those prices (PM sent). Toss in some extra tips (chisels are particularly useful), and you'll be able to get free shipping as well (orders over $99 qualify). Hakko's Tip Selection Page might be of interest as well.

Regarding hot air, you're better off with separate units IMHO, as you can use one to fix the other. Particularly as hot air tends to be a Chinese brand for most hobbyists, and is more likely to need repair/service.

[sycho123321]

ok ill check that all out thanks for replying!