Comments on Profile Post by spwath

Not "nice" per se, but I have a few old USA made Wellers. Only thing I can't do is really small surface mount stuff - and a big part of this is probably just me.

I have a Weller WE 1010 digital soldering station that has served me well, no real complaints about it. I hear a lot of recommendations for the Hakko stations as well. Microcenter here usually carries the Hakko FX888. A few Home Depots in the area carry the Weller station.

Right now I just have a shitty $25 Chinese soldering iron so pretty much anything will be better. Been using it for a while though, works well enough. The thick cord is an issue though

JBC is the gangsta choice, A upper range Metcal e.g. MX500 is killer, Hakko or Weller will serve you well, any of these will make make solder a pleasure and something to look forward to.

The models I listed are sort of the entry level "nice" ones people tend to recommend and will work for most needs. They sit at the $100-$120 range typically. But you can definitely go up from there if you're looking for something swank. Probably worthwhile to consider how easy it is to get replacement tips as well.

Get something from Metcal. I had an old SP200 and I forget where, but Marv talked about his model and his experience with it.

I have a t12 clone that I haven't used yet but will post a review. This guy convinced me to buy one.

https://www.rchelicopterfun.com/t12-soldering-station.html

Go MetCal or go home. I threw my Weller into the trash. It's tool that you will use for a lifetime. PS-900 for a bit under $300. Better than any DAC. I use the MetCal almost every day professionally.

Metcal is definitely premium

I used to have a shitty $25 Weller. Upgrade to a $99 Hakko. Once you use that enough, then you can go with a $300 MetCal.