What to look for in my first soldering station?

Anyone know what features to look for when purchasing my first soldering station (to upgrade from a very basic soldering iron)?

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Blacksheep32 over 12 years ago +1

I'm by no means an expert but a unit that has variable temperature and replaceable hardware is a good choice. I received for Christmas a Sparkfun iron that I really like (as long as I rememeber to turn…
benheck over 12 years ago +1

Yes, variable temperature, and common, replaceable tips.

0 Blacksheep32 over 12 years ago

I'm by no means an expert but a unit that has variable temperature and replaceable hardware is a good choice. I received for Christmas a Sparkfun iron that I really like (as long as I rememeber to turn it off and not burn out the tip!) I know Ben H started with cheap Radio Shack irons and seems to still use a well worn de-soldering iron (by far my most favorite tool.) There's something zen about sitting in from of the TV de-soldering junked electronics for parts...
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0 scruffy.mogwai over 12 years ago

I have heard that Hakko FX-888 is a really good iron. Was recommended by Dave "That Crazy Aussie Bloke" Jones (eevblog.com) (Episode Here: http://youtu.be/R_PbjbRaO2E?t=8m29s).
HTH

Nick
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0 birdie over 12 years ago

I ended up just grabbing a basic one from Jaycar, has variable temperature control and replaceable tips:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1620&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=953#1

Hopefully it's suitable for my limited hobbist usage for mucking around with Arduino's...
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0 fidelsalinas over 12 years ago

i have a few iorns but my favorite is my aoyue 70watt digital themps for the soldering iorn 500watt hot air heat gun. the package also comes with a lot of add ons for a fair price aoyue 968+ rework station it also has a smoke absorber and vaccum pick up tool.

F/S
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0 benheck over 12 years ago

Yes, variable temperature, and common, replaceable tips.
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