FourT6and2
Well-known member
Like most DIYers, I started out with a cheap pencil iron from Radio Shack. I thought an iron is an iron. As long as it heats up to temp, what's the difference. I was wrong. And if you're ready to step up your game here are two units that really shine: Hakko FX-888D and FX-100.
To be blunt, pencil irons that plug into power outlets are crap. They take a long time to heat up. The tips don't last very long because the irons stay on as long as they're plugged in. And they have no temperature regulation at the tip, so you really don't know how hot they are. Nor do they maintain a constant temperature. And when it comes to making good solder joints, you want to make sure the tip's temperature is consistent. Consistent temp = consistent joints = a consistent build with no cold joints. So if you have to troubleshoot a build for some reason, you can rule out your solder joints.
HAKKO FX-888D
This thing is a fantastic value. I think prices right now are under $100. And it will last a lifetime. It has a ceramic heating element with temperature regulation. It heats up from 0 degrees to over 800 degrees in about 30 seconds. And itss temperature is adjustable in precise 1-degree increments via digital interface. The tips are changeable and Hakko has plenty of different sizes and shapes from which to choose. The iron's cord is burn-resistant and the iron stylus is small and comfortable in the hand. Hakko's tips are also plated and last a really long time if you take care of them. The tip maintains a constant, regulated temperature even while you're soldering. The unit will detect when you are making a joint and keep the tip up to temp. Even when soldering large components that suck heat.
Use this thing and your joints will look like works of art instead of rust buckets.
Two downsides:
1. The digital interface could use some reworking. If you press the wrong button to change the temperature of the unit, you will actually change the calibration by accident. If you're at 650 degrees and you want to go up to 800, and you change the calibration by accident, you will tell the iron that what WAS 650 is NOW 800. And your temp settings will be 150 degrees off. To fix this, you have to do a factory reset of the unit, which is easy. But still... I think you need to do a temp calibration if you do that. This could use some love by Hakko. You can also purchase a tip thermometer to calibrate the iron. But it costs $200. So it's actually cheaper to just buy a brand new unit if your iron loses calibration.
2. 30 seconds is fast to heat up. But when you're not using the iron and it's just sitting there, you don't want it on. It will add undue wear and tear on the iron and tip. And 30 seconds is still pretty slow when you're in the zone.
But, all in all, this is a fantastic iron for any hobbyist. Or even actual builders running a business. Light years beyond any comparable iron from the other companies. And it will help improve your soldering.
To be blunt, pencil irons that plug into power outlets are crap. They take a long time to heat up. The tips don't last very long because the irons stay on as long as they're plugged in. And they have no temperature regulation at the tip, so you really don't know how hot they are. Nor do they maintain a constant temperature. And when it comes to making good solder joints, you want to make sure the tip's temperature is consistent. Consistent temp = consistent joints = a consistent build with no cold joints. So if you have to troubleshoot a build for some reason, you can rule out your solder joints.
HAKKO FX-888D
This thing is a fantastic value. I think prices right now are under $100. And it will last a lifetime. It has a ceramic heating element with temperature regulation. It heats up from 0 degrees to over 800 degrees in about 30 seconds. And itss temperature is adjustable in precise 1-degree increments via digital interface. The tips are changeable and Hakko has plenty of different sizes and shapes from which to choose. The iron's cord is burn-resistant and the iron stylus is small and comfortable in the hand. Hakko's tips are also plated and last a really long time if you take care of them. The tip maintains a constant, regulated temperature even while you're soldering. The unit will detect when you are making a joint and keep the tip up to temp. Even when soldering large components that suck heat.
Use this thing and your joints will look like works of art instead of rust buckets.
Two downsides:
1. The digital interface could use some reworking. If you press the wrong button to change the temperature of the unit, you will actually change the calibration by accident. If you're at 650 degrees and you want to go up to 800, and you change the calibration by accident, you will tell the iron that what WAS 650 is NOW 800. And your temp settings will be 150 degrees off. To fix this, you have to do a factory reset of the unit, which is easy. But still... I think you need to do a temp calibration if you do that. This could use some love by Hakko. You can also purchase a tip thermometer to calibrate the iron. But it costs $200. So it's actually cheaper to just buy a brand new unit if your iron loses calibration.
2. 30 seconds is fast to heat up. But when you're not using the iron and it's just sitting there, you don't want it on. It will add undue wear and tear on the iron and tip. And 30 seconds is still pretty slow when you're in the zone.
But, all in all, this is a fantastic iron for any hobbyist. Or even actual builders running a business. Light years beyond any comparable iron from the other companies. And it will help improve your soldering.