ceh329

iTrader: (11)

Hello, I'm looking for a soldering iron to take to the track which most of the time is out doors. I need to be able to solder 10AWG wire for my 1/8 buggy as well 1/10. My current track iron does not get hot enough with a little wind blowing.

Suggestions?

m3rcfh

iTrader: (4)

I really like the Hakko FX888D

EbbTide

iTrader: (39)

You really can't go wrong with the Hakko fx888d. However if you don't mind spending a little more for more versatility and safety features, the Hakko FX-951 is amazing as well. I got this to replace my fx-888 and wouldn't go back. It heats up quicker, maintains heat better, and has safety features that keep the iron from staying hot if you accidentally leave it on.

But for pure hobby soldering and for value the FX-888d is the way to go.

King DORK

iTrader: (53)

Another big vote for the Hakko FX-888d. I have a Checkpoint TC950 station as well but for whatever reason I prefer the Hakko.

Juglenaut

iTrader: (19)

dway100

iTrader: (7)

Juglenaut

iTrader: (19)

guitars911

iTrader: (22)

ceh329, even the trak power tk-950 can do exactly what you ask. Just need to be patient when soldering and use a good "quality solider". Can't stress that one enough! Buy good solder! Keep your tip clean and tinned and your soldering talent will increase dramatically trust me. Get some Miniatronics solder, some flux paste and a good metal brillow pad / wad tip cleaner and report back. No wet sponge needed... This solder melts and is usable at a much lower temp than most and will help to improve your soldering. A good solder sucker is also a must for a beginner. No that is a real thing too. Does what it's title says. If you goof up, it can help clean up your mess.

ceh329

iTrader: (11)

So it sounds like the Hako is the most recommended. The FX-888d will work great outdoors?

EbbTide

iTrader: (39)

It should do just fine, it has a lot of heating headroom so even with strong gusts you can crank the heat to make up for it. For leaded solder you usually only need around 700f and the iron can heat up to ~850

You'll also want to make sure you use the right tip. You'd want at least the 3.2mm hakk tip, but for 10ga the 5.2mm will work better although not necessary. If you were using a small chisel tip prior to this then that could have been hurting you at the track.

Scrubb

X-Tronic 3020

You'll want to buy a wider tip for motor/battery wires.

GripTLR

I manage a team of 25 military wire harness assemblers that build to IPC, J-STD and NASA standards for a living 50+hrs a week. We literally just ditched our Hakko stations for Weller. The Hakko stations typically last 1.5years of 50+hrs a week use. The Weller stations are a bit more money, but they have easily lasted 5+ years with the same yearly calibration, and preventative maintenance we do on all of our solder stations (Hakko or Weller).

The Hakko stations are good for hobby grade, but that is about it. Wellers can be calibrated to show an accurate temperature instead of being 15-20+/- degrees off.

If you want a good tool because tools are an investment, buy a Weller. If you want something to do the job well for 1-2 years before you have to buy another one...buy a Hakko.

I personally have a Weller and Hakko in my garage at home, The Hakko hasn't been used in about 2 years.

EbbTide

iTrader: (39)

I don't mean to nitpick but as long as I've had an FX888 or now the 951, they have always been capable of being calibrated. You just needed a proper tool to do the calibration. Not saying Weller is not a great iron but I think it's disingenuous to claim Hakko cannot be calibrated.

tonyd

iTrader: (52)

I have a genuine Fx888D I don't need anymore. With some extra tips I.d sell... Pm me if interested.

Zerodefect

https://www.reilleymotorsports.com/p...ron-with-stand