Soldering Stations - what's hot and what's not?

[Philtre]

I'm looking to buy a soldering station, and wondering what folks are using these days. I've done a search on the forum which has provided some pointers but I'd like to get an up to date consensus, and also, if possible, options that can be bought in the UK. At the moment, I'm considering the HAKKO FX-888D, but if there was a cheaper option that would be good.

[somnif]

I adore my Hakko 888. Quick heat up, surprisingly quick cool down, good sturdy construction, easy to buy tips for, comfortable in hand, etc etc etc.

But, I fully admit its also probably a bit overkill for what I use it for. Better than my old pencil iron, but I probably could have gotten away with a Weller WLC100 and saved 40$~ (I got my hakko on sale though, so... yeah)

But unfortunately I don't know what is easily available in the UK. The Hakko is a fantastic tool that will treat you well, but you could probably make do with less. (Hell, watch Big Clive on youtube. Dude is a damned wizard with a soldering iron and he uses some shitty 20$ Chinese Ebay toss off.)

[EBK]

I also have a Hakko 888.  My opinion, however, is that it is worth every penny.  I would never go back to a cheap, non-temperature-controlled iron.

[pickdropper]

Well, I don't own a Hakko 888, but that's still what I'd recommend for anything less than $100.  It's a good, reliable station and the parts should be available for a long time.

[jubal81]

I also have a Hakko 888.  My opinion, however, is that it is worth every penny.  I would never go back to a cheap, non-temperature-controlled iron.

This. Changed my life, man.

[Philtre]

Thanks for the feedback.

As I feel the need for a life-changing event, I just ordered a HAKKO FX-888D. 

[EBK]

While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   

[Philtre]

While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   

It's 60/40 - the real McCoy, not the vegetarian, low-fat stuff. 

[matmosphere]

I have a 40 watt version of this one:

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

It works well but the 60 watt is half the price I paid for the 40 a few years ago. Hopefully it's still the same quality but with that price difference you never know. If it's still good quality it's a steal for the price.

[EBK]

63/37 is vegetarian, low-fat eutectic solder.   

[Philtre]

63/37 is vegetarian, low-fat eutectic solder.   

Then what is Pb-free solder?

[EBK]

Then what is Pb-free solder?

Garbage.

[pickdropper]

While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   

The best bet in leaded solder, IMHO.  Less chance of a bad joint.

[Philtre]

While we are on the topic of life changing soldering:
Are you using 63/37 solder?   

The best bet in leaded solder, IMHO.  Less chance of a bad joint.

Much difference with 60/40? 3% difference?

[gordo]

+1 on the Hakko.  I love it.