I was looking to upgrading my soldering gear. I was set on getting the Weller WES51, then I saw the Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station. Any thoughts on these two or any other options?

Thx
Matt

I have a WES51 and it's been a great iron however that Hakko looks cool in that it's a bit more compact and has a brass coil tip cleaner built into the iron stand. Saw the Hakko for $80 at all-spec.com also as opposed to $100 at amain.

Steve

radio shack has a digital station for $80 I bought it and used it today it worked pretty good but it doesnt come with a chisel tip

That brings up a good point, with the Weller and Hakko mentioned tip availability is pretty good. Make sure you can get tips for whatever you decide to buy. I know Fry's carries tips in store for both brands. If you don't have Fry's close by check the inventory of similar stores.

Steve

Ended up getting the Hakko. I will update after I get some time with it.

I've tried the Team Checkpoint soldering stations which is a relabelled Hakko 936 I believe and I keep getting the iron melting off of the handle. I had it happen the first time, so then ordered a replacement iron and same thing happened. So now it sits unused and I've gone back to my 60W adjustable Radio Shack/Princess Auto (Chinese made probably) soldering iron and it works great

It's not just me either, I've a buddy with the same station and same thing happened to him.

Hopefully I have better luck with the 888

You're not the first to post about issues with the TC station, I'm not 100% sold that it's a 100% Hakko 936. I love my 936 (now replaced by the 888) and have had no issues.

You're probably right......I had always heard good things about Hakko. When I bought the Team Checkpoint version I thought for sure I'd be getting simply a relabelled Hakko. Maybe one day I'll get around to buying a 100% genuine Hakko iron for it and see if I have any better luck.

Nothing worse than being in the middle of soldering and here's your iron falling off the handle

I received my Hakko a few days ago. I have never owned legit solder tools before, so I don't have anything to compare too. This solder station is legit. It makes life so easy. Heats up very fast. Fit and Finish is very good. Hopefully it holds up over time.

Want solder station overkill? I use an Edsyn 951 sx loner 15w-220w, 400f-800f temps . Beyond durable and multi tips avail right from mfg. I love this thing , about 6 yrs old and never an issue! Not cheap , but who wants cheap if you race?