Soldering iron...a request

horsehead

What good quality soldering iron would people on here recommend please?

gretschthumper

Hakko fx888d soldering station is what I use, variable power and bright display (so you don't leave it on!) ... they're not cheap but I wasted a lot of money on rubbish before I finally stumped up for it. Should say, I'm no soldering expert, but this one works for me 

Adam_MD

What are you primarily going to use it for?  The hakko is excellent but a lot of money if it’s only going to be used once or twice a year.  

martinw

Xytronic are good value.

SteveRobinson

I've got two Atten AT938D soldering stations. One is to fix the other when it breaks.

sixstringsupplies

Depending on your budget and usage - I would recommend the hakko as mentioned above but if you want cheaper the Atten is also very good. I got over years usage out of the atten before it broke down (that includes soldering every single day for a year) 

sixstringsupplies

SteveRobinson said:

I've got two Atten AT938D soldering stations. One is to fix the other when it breaks.

Haha wisdom appropriately applied I got a good year’s usage out of the Atten and when it broke I didn’t have a spare iron to fix it! 

Sporky

I have two Weller WS51 stations. Lovely things; every part replaceable (only had to replace a few tips over a good decade or longer). Easily copes with lead free temperatures.

thermionic

I also have a Hakko fx888D. I haven't actually used it for much yet, but I think it's a good investment for £120 (I've gone through 3 Antex 25W mains irons over the years). For less than half that price the 45W Vellemann or 60W Atten stations (as seen in Maplins) seem to be reliable enough.

Emp_Fab

Be aware that the market is saturated with fake Hakko irons.  If you do get one, get it only from an official distributor.

Chalky

Duratool station from Farnell, easy to get spares too.

horsehead

Thanks guys, it's just to do some rewiring on guitars and simple soldering stuff, I'll have a look at the options

Gagaryn

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KBPN1ZU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Katsu 40w soldering station  - £25 from Amazon. Only caveat is you'll need a working soldering iron to do a little modification to ensure long term reliability - the socket pad connections are a bit ropey from the factory - Big Clive has a video on YT showing the procedure. After that is done though it is superb - well worth £25 of anybody's money.

streethawk

There are a lot of bargains out there but you're bound to go through a few over the years. Or, you might get lucky.

This seller is 100% genuine. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAKKO-FX-888D-Genuine-UK-PLUG/222895539404?hash=item33e59c04cc:g:lXUAAOSwtTVZjaGo

£118 and will last you. 

I have the fancier version and bought mine from him. The markings on the box show that his stock is in fact from an authorised Hakko reseller... MOTWYW.