Cheap soldering stations for beginners

[Wartex]

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/solder-stations

[Simon]

and ?

[Wartex]

and ?

... wild ASBO appears!


I found this on Reddit and thought the prices were decent for a low end soldering station with temperature control. Sorry I didn't include a 21-page explanation post with my link.

[samgab]

Well, I appreciate the link. Thanks Wartex. I've been looking to get another soldering iron. I might get one if their shipping to down under isn't too silly...

Edit: meh, they don't ship outside of USA by the looks. Oh well.

[Wartex]

Well, I appreciate the link. Thanks Wartex. I've been looking to get another soldering iron. I might get one if their shipping to down under isn't too silly...

Edit: meh, they don't ship outside of USA by the looks. Oh well.

i can reship it for you

[johnboxall]

Cheap Australian-market soldering station:

http://dicksmith.com.au/product/T1976/adjustable-temperature-soldering-station

Looks like DS is finally running them out...

[saturation]

Xytronic would be a brand I'd try in the 'cheap' range.  It has a better reputation that no-names and its lowest end station has good specs, retail price ~$50, hopefully cheaper where you buy it at.

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&pa=2114685&productId=2114685&CID=GMC

http://www.xytronic-usa.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=17

However, at $50 I'd save a few months more to spring for either a Hakko FX888 or a Weller WES51.

Below the $50 price,  make sure the stations are still temperature feedback controlled, not just 'adjustable' which should be avoided.

[samgab]

Well, I appreciate the link. Thanks Wartex. I've been looking to get another soldering iron. I might get one if their shipping to down under isn't too silly...

Edit: meh, they don't ship outside of USA by the looks. Oh well.

i can reship it for you

That's very kind, thank you... But I'll just spend a few bucks more and get an FX-888 after all. I'm such a fanboy. Not really, but it's been shown to be a good, functional soldering station, and I've been planning on getting one... I've been making do with a soldering iron (non station kind) and I think it's time to upgrade. I have a source at RS Components who usually does me a good price (By NZ price standards), so I'll get him to quote me up.

[RCMR]

Do a comparison between the cost of buying the 230V model (*EXPENSIVE*) and buying the 110V model (less than half the price) plus a cheap external 230->110 transformer from Trademe.

I went with the 110V model (direct-import from the USA) and transformer -- saved me a very useful amount of money!

[Mint.]

What do you mean by transformer?
I have got one which converts 230v into 12v AND a travel plug type.

Which one are we talking about here?

[samgab]

1: I think he means a 110-240V converting transformer.
2: I just bought a 240V Hakko FX-888 after all. Save mucking about with transformers etc.
3: Wow, I am very impressed with this soldering station. It's much better put together than I expected, given the Tonka toy appearance.
And soldering with it is great, it's been a long time since I last used a good solder station, having just had a cheap soldering iron for several years.
The cable between the station and the iron is really nice, very soft bendy, I think silicone(?) cable.
I got a reasonable price from a guy I deal with at RS components. Still expensive though. Wouldn't pay retail though! Ouch!

[John Ho]

Do you where can I buy the solder equipment in Malaysia/Singapore?

Thanks,
John - A beginner from http://www.basic-electronics-tutorials.com/