Yet another soldering iron question

[Jmilla]

Hi all, it's been a while since I have been super active and built a lot. Life is crazy right now finishing my medical training and I just am getting back into building and playing more and my stahl iron crapped out. Any love for the Xytronic LF-389D from small Bear? I'm trying to stay around 50 dollars if possible but could go a little more. Any recommendations? Sorry if this has been answered to death somewhere else but unless someone has a lead on a cheap hakko I'm not ready to drop 100 dollars yet.

Thanks!

[chordball]

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/60_Watt_Soldering_Station.html

I've used the now discontinued 40W version of this for years and have been happy. No complaints whatsoever.

[matmosphere]

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/60_Watt_Soldering_Station.html

I've used the now discontinued 40W version of this for years and have been happy. No complaints whatsoever.

Same here, and that's less than I paid for it. Works great, no complaints.

[BrianS]

I believe my first solder station was an Xytronic and I would not buy another one.  It worked ok but the iron element went out after about 6 months and the replacement worked for a while then the handle started getting so hot that you couldn't use it after 5 mins.  I have a Hakko 888 now.

[stringsthings]

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/60_Watt_Soldering_Station.html

I've used the now discontinued 40W version of this for years and have been happy. No complaints whatsoever.

That's a great price!  Might have to pick up a spare before my ancient weller gives up the ghost.

[flanagan0718]

I can't stress how much I love my Weller station. I'm pretty sure you can find some of the less expensive ones on amazon too! It was originally at a robotics lab at UMass and they received a grant and got all. Ew equipment. This thing has been through the ringer and is still working just fine. I only recently replaced the tip for a whopping $8 from McMaster Carr. Love for the Weller.


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[Jmilla]

I ended up getting both a csi iron above and a weller hobby soldering station super cheap. Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

[Leevibe]

I started on a Xytronic 40w and it's still going strong. I am using a Hakko now but the Xytronic sees regular use as my mobile iron. I doubt you will beat it for the money.

[Timko]

I also own one of those Circuit Specialists soldering stations, and you can't beat it for the money.