Need help choosing iron and other tools

[vskid3]

I've been using a radioshack 15/30w switchable soldering iron since I got into modding (and it might be part of the reason I haven't done more). Now that it is at home across the ocean from me, I have a good excuse to upgrade it and some of my other tools. I want to get some quality tools that will get the job done for many years to come, but I also want to try to keep costs down. Any suggestions for these and other tools would be greatly appreciated.

For soldering irons, I'm currently considering these:
http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WES51-Anal ... 000BRC2XU/
http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40- ... 000AS28UC/
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10707

This solder sucker (reviews say its amazing):
http://www.amazon.com/Edsyn-Deluxe-Sold ... 0019V5HRA/

My Dremel, multimeter, and wire strippers are getting shipped to me from home next week.

 

[DefectX11]

I've got that solder sucker. Really good, I highly recommend it.

I'd say your best bet is the last one, seems to be the best (with a brass sponge, not a foam, assuming the others have a foam sponge)
In fact, I might just buy that one too- my soldering iron no longer heats up the tip properly.

Oh and did you get those auto-adjusting wire strippers? My friend has a pair of 'em- work like a charm, any gauge.

 

[Hermaphroditus]

If you're willing to spend ~300 bucks, get an OKI/Metcal iron. Using Smart Heat Technology.

Here's a link for some on eBay.

Edit: Yeah, that solder sucker is amazing. Also get solder wick/braid as well. You can get most of it with the solder sucker, but for the little stuff left, a braid is good. Basically if you're going to desolder anything SMT you either need low-temp solder to melt and apply heat evenly so you can take it off with a pair of tweezers, or you would need solder wick. (Or, of course, you could get an expensive $500+ reworking station).

 

[vskid3]

Solder sucker looks like a go, then. I'll make sure I order some desoldering braid when I get everything else (unless I still have some at home that can be sent).

$300 is way too much right now. The $95 Weller is really pushing it. As much as I like the price of the last one, I would really prefer something that actually has a brand and some reviews. I'm really leaning towards the Hakko FX-888. It has 26 five-star reviews and no others, where the Weller has a few poor reviews and costs a bit more.

My wire strippers are just a crappy pair. If you can recommend an auto adjusting pair that do a decent job and are under ~$20, I might have to get them.

 

[DefectX11]

I'll go find out where my friend got the pair. They work awesomely.

Good plan with the soldering iron. 26 full reviews can't be beat.

 

[samjc3]

26 full reviews can't be beat.

Sure it could. What if there were 27 five star reviews?

 

[DefectX11]

Well... then it would be beat.
BUT- I mean what we have here. Within those three, 26 can't be beat.

 

[vskid3]

Little update.

I bought the Hakko FX-888, and other than the Playskool color scheme, I can find no flaw in it. Definitely something to look into if you have the cash and want something a little more professional.
Behind it is the solder sucker I linked to in the first post. Could probably suck a golfball though a garden hose. Like the iron, a must have if you can afford it.

 

[megalomaniac]

i have a Hakko FX-951
that FX-888 looks to have the same specs except for 5watt consumption difference....
not sure if that one has a sensing circuit in the stand to cool down the iron when not in use...

i almost bought a Weller WD1001, at the time they were over 500$
got the Hakko used on ebay for 150$ and never regret that decision...
those Hakko's are really good and on par with top dollar weller irons...




dont worry about the Playskool color scheme...it will grow on you..
good choice, you will love the Hakko