Soldering Stations?

Old 02-17-2012, 09:34 PM
  #1  
Tech Elite
Thread Starter
iTrader: (110)
 
romian14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,865
Trader Rating: 110 (100%+)
Default Soldering Stations?

Would the Weller one be better since it has more watts?

Weller WLC200 80w 120v

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ation-80W-120V

vs.

TrakPower TK950

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...dering-Station
romian14 is offline  
Old 02-17-2012, 09:49 PM
  #2  
Tech Master
iTrader: (96)
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,550
Trader Rating: 96 (100%+)
Default

Prety sure that Weller is just a semi-fancy base with a $16 iron. The TrakPower is either a re-badged Hakko 936 or a really good chinese knockoff of a Hakko 936. I have a Hakko 936, and it's wayyy better than that weller. The weller gets just as hot, but's it's just more crude than the Hakko. The cord for the handle on the Hakko is a lot more flexible which makes a lot of difference IMO.
Eric Tomczyk is offline  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:31 PM
  #3  
Tech Master
iTrader: (3)
 
TOM MAR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 1,059
Trader Rating: 3 (100%+)
Default

Looks like the $50 modular weller, originally designed by Unger. Had a bunch of em. Great iron the element either lasts years or weeks. At least I had no luck with them.

The inexpensive one does not have the black sleeve on the handle. I would stay away from the wellers.
TOM MAR is offline  
Old 02-18-2012, 07:37 AM
  #4  
Tech Master
iTrader: (96)
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,550
Trader Rating: 96 (100%+)
Default

Yep, Tom is right, I remember now why I switched from the weller to the Hakko, the tips on the weller go bad constantly. You should check out the "how to solder" thread that is stickied at the top of this forum it has a ton of great info about irons. It does mention that the TrakPower is indeed a rebadged Hakko. I'm still on the original tip on mine that I bought in 2004 or 2005, and I abuse it according to that writeup.
Eric Tomczyk is offline  
Old 02-18-2012, 12:01 PM
  #5  
Tech Champion
 
Pulse_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Posts: 5,100
Default

hakko fx888 which is the replacement of the hakko 936 soldering station. The trackpower is exactly the same as a Hakko 936 it just uses other stickers




By far the best bang for the buck soldering station, made in japan so nothing compared to a weller.
Pulse_ is offline  
Old 02-18-2012, 12:13 PM
  #6  
Tech Addict
iTrader: (5)
 
willbe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 640
Trader Rating: 5 (100%+)
Default

Originally Posted by Pulse_
hakko fx888 which is the replacement of the hakko 936 soldering station. The trackpower is exactly the same as a Hakko 936 it just uses other stickers




By far the best bang for the buck soldering station, made in japan so nothing compared to a weller.
This was my first high end station and I love it. Buy the larger chisel tip from Amain or elsewhere- makes solder melt like butter even on 10g wire
willbe is offline  
Old 02-18-2012, 12:31 PM
  #7  
Tech Fanatic
iTrader: (19)
 
PnchoPwr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 779
Trader Rating: 19 (100%+)
Default

I have the Weller and it works great. It's a great station for the price.
PnchoPwr is offline  
Old 02-19-2012, 09:51 AM
  #8  
Tech Master
 
forty6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,922
Default

Originally Posted by Pulse_
hakko fx888 which is the replacement of the hakko 936 soldering station. The trackpower is exactly the same as a Hakko 936 it just uses other stickers..........

By far the best bang for the buck soldering station, made in japan so nothing compared to a weller.

The Hakko 936 was the industry standard before it was discontinued. If you look under your FX-888, they are made in Malaysia.
forty6 is offline  

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -

Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.