Hakko fx-888d vs Tenma AT60D-EU

[made2hack]

Hello all,

Here's another "I Can't find the hakko 888 in Europe" post for you guys.

Well, I can't find a hakko 888D in Europe ! Well, I mean, I can if I want to pay 150 euros + VAT and shipping.

I can go the "buy in the Usa" method, pay 90-100$ on ebay, plus 70$ shipping + duty + 15 - 20$ for 230/110V converter. So, that 91$ great deal hakko is now costing me 200$, or around 150 Euros  .

So, I am going a different route, the what can I find that is kinda cheap and might work ok route, and looking at the Tenma AT60D-EU (plug version), that is on farnell.

http://uk.farnell.com/tenma/at60d-eu/soldering-station-60w-220v-eu/dp/2075392

alternatively, there is the tenma 21-10115 EU which is a bit cheaper:

http://uk.farnell.com/tenma/21-10115-eu/soldering-station-60w-220v-eu/dp/2062627

Anyone have any experience with Tenma soldering stations? I've read another few posts where people suggest that Tenma is farnell's in house brand or that they are re-badged Attens???
They both seem to have Atten 907 compatible soldering irons, don't know if that means anything.

[made2hack]

Oh, I forgot the prices and specs.

They are both 60W +150°C to +450°C and the price is 55 Euro and 66 Euro for the 21-1115 and 60D respectively.

Also, there are some Duratool and Antex in that price range I was looking at, anyone know if they are any good?

[mariush]

The first one is a rebranded Atten AT60D.  It seems OK, it seems to have temperature sensor and acceptable build quality.

The second is a rebranded Atten AT938D. There was some discussion here on the forums recently in regards to whether it has a temperature sensor or not, or something related to how it measures temperature.

I wouldn't buy Duratool, they seem to really go for cheapest lowest quality stuff (at least they were in regards to screw bits and screwdrivers when I was in the market for some)

[made2hack]

Thanks,

I will check out the AT938D review. So far the 60D looks pretty good.

[made2hack]

The "938" is ESD safe, the 60D does not specify.

Should I care? Or is the 60D as well, but not specified?

[nanofrog]

Are you willing to consider a used soldering station?

If you're patient, it's possible to find a decent deal on a top brand station that has all the bits you need to make it work (some may only be the base without an iron).

Just a thought. 

[made2hack]

I would be, I just don't know where / what to look for ( I assume ebay but I wouldn't know what brand / model number).

I've found some good deals at www.atten.eu.

They have the Atten 980D for 73 Euros and the Atten 858D+ rework / reflow for 59 Euros.

What do you guys think of this combo ATTEN AT8586 SOLDER STATION AND SMD REWORK 2 IN 1? http://www.atten.eu/solder-rework/atten-at8586-solder-station-and-smd-rework-2-in-1-124.html

It's essentially an Atten 858D+ reflow / rework + a 50W Soldering station? The price is really good! Or should I spend the extra 30 Euros and have the two units separate?

[nanofrog]

I would be, I just don't know where / what to look for ( I assume ebay but I wouldn't know what brand / model number).

I've found some good deals at www.atten.eu.

They have the Atten 980D for 73 Euros and the Atten 858D+ rework / reflow for 59 Euros.

What do you guys think of this combo ATTEN AT8586 SOLDER STATION AND SMD REWORK 2 IN 1? http://www.atten.eu/solder-rework/atten-at8586-solder-station-and-smd-rework-2-in-1-124.html

It's essentially an Atten 858D+ reflow / rework + a 50W Soldering station? The price is really good! Or should I spend the extra 30 Euros and have the two units separate?

Check brands such as JBC, Ersa, Weller, Hakko, Pace, Metcal/OKi, and Zephyrtronics. In the UK in particular, you could also add Antex to that list (UK based AFAIK).

As per specific model numbers, a search can likely provide you with a wealth of information faster than EEVBlog members would be able to provide in this or a new thread (lots of info here, but other sites could be useful as well; don't limit your source options for information IMHO).

FWIW, I'm not a huge fan of the Asian made stations, given the variable QC issues that get reported here and other sites (lots of info in here if you take the time; safety is a big one, but not exclusively).

Of course decent stations are available here in the US at better pricing (save Ersa, which has precious little presence), but that's why I recommended looking for a good used station. Particularly for EU members, as you can get a lot more for you money if you're patient IME. Certainly worth a shot. 

If you can't find any info on a used station after searching as best you can (specifications, reviews, comments, .pdf's of manuals, ...), then do ask. We may not be the fastest group in answering (pretty good though IMHO), but if someone has an answer, they're usually kind enough to post. 

Hope this helps. 

[made2hack]

thx nanofrog!

i'm gonna see if I can scope some s/h deals. I just hope I have the patience  . Because, as you probably know, when it comes to gear purchase, patience is always lacking!!!

[nanofrog]

thx nanofrog!

i'm gonna see if I can scope some s/h deals. I just hope I have the patience  . Because, as you probably know, when it comes to gear purchase, patience is always lacking!!!

You're welcome.

As per patience, I know all too well how little exists when it's needed most, particularly regarding "new toys".