racer1812

iTrader: (31)

Hakko has a nice stand that has a ball of mesh in it. not sure what the metal is.

billb60

iTrader: (17)

I use this one http://www.howardelectronics.com/goot/px201.html

You get what ever tips you want. Temp. is adjustable, and easier to carry instead of soldering station

Dave H

Does anyone have any experience with portable irons, gas or rechargable electric?

With brushless I don't need to take motors in and out all the time at the track, I rarely need to solder there. So packing & unpacking the full station is getting old.

Would be nice to have a small job that could be used when needed, and leave the station on the home bench. Still needs to be capable though, I'm spoiled by the Hakko and the mighty Ungar from back in the day.

Any recommendations would be sweet. Thanks!

SUNA

iTrader: (47)

I had the cheap irons once...there was no looking back once I bought a Hakko. They're more expensive than a $20 iron...but you get better quality and a wide choice for tip replacement. I love my Hakko.

wizby

The ultimate iron is new and its from LRP. But its very pricey!!! Saw it at IHOBBY show. Really cool digital temperature control. List price is $300.

LIVipers

iTrader: (56)

If LRP would have come out with that iron 3-4 years ago that would have been great. But now since almost everyone is switching over to brushless and Li-Po there is absolutely no reason to spend $200 on something that you will use once in a blue moon. But that's just my opinion.

slotracer577

Best one I have found is one from Hobby Lobby (local store, not mail order). 100 watt for ~$20 its in the stained glass section. I have been told they dont get quite as hot due to being designed for stained glass, but the extra watt's really work well on batteries. I burned the tip out on my first one, so I just got a new one since they are so cheap.

John

UltegraSTI

iTrader: (20)

haako (this from a weller user-who wont get rid of it b/c his honey got it for em for xmas couple yrs back)

for heavy duty stuff like battery bars on nickel packs, i'd bust out a 90w stained glass weller from lowes, 13bux. big tip, would do the trick.

R

azgreg

iTrader: (12)

I used to think I was the worst at soldering untill I got a Hakko 936. Great iron.

kcobra

iTrader: (11)

If you are buying the Hakko 936 make sure to get the 936-13 model (i.e. the one with the 908 iron).

On a side note, anyone know where I can buy the replacement heating element for a Hakko 907 iron? Mine is around 5 years old and does not hold near the heat that my new 908 model does. When it was new it kept temp very well.

helibrian

www.tequipment.net is THE online source for Hakko parts. There are several others, and the price may vary by a couple bucks but those heaters typically go for just under 20 bucks. Google it, Hokko A1321 . Before you buy one though, you might try disassembling the iron and cleaning the tip, barrel (tip enclosure), and nipple, inside and out. Oxides can build up and greatly affect heat conductivity between parts. I had the same problem, and after a thorough cleaning, it was like a whole new iron. Regular maintenance is a good idea to keep any soldering equipment at peak efficiency. Nothing sucks more than a luke-warm soldering iron.

Krio

iTrader: (159)

Hakko is the way to go. 936 w/ flame decals here:
http://bulldawgrc.com/ha936sost.html

azgreg

iTrader: (12)

You can get it direct from Hakko cheaper.
http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=&PID=4595&Page=1

Trips

iTrader: (16)

That Goot is one GREAT iron. and with the heat resistant cover you can solder something, unplug, and put it away immediately. VERY nice.

Dave, I own the Weller portasol butane iron. IT was pretty nice when new, but lately it doesn't seem to regulate the gas flow all that well... it kind of makes spitting and sputtering sounds and doesn't seem to come up to full temp like it used to. It was also very expensive. If I had it to do again, I'd go with the Goot that billb60 recommended... $49.99 and spend the extra $8.50 for the PX-2RT-8S tip and it'll do everything from small PC board work to building packs. Puts my Weller butane iron to shame in every way except for outdoor racing at a place with no AC power...

IN fact, I'm going to go order one right now so I can leave the Hakko at home. Thanks billb60 for the link.

amuse

iTrader: (7)

trip, have you change butane brand lately? when i first bought my weller, i used one that was not in the recommanded list and it didnt work too well, so i figure to give one on the list a try, and it makes a big difference. just an idea.