Digital Soldering Station with Chisel Tip Pack T18-D08/D12/D24/D32/S3

I use this unit to attach wires to fine pitch surface mount parts during the debugging process while developing new products. Having used the unit a few times now, I am impressed with the temperature control. The unit climbs to temperature rapidly and maintains the setting well. The tip cleaner sponge works much better than those I have used previously. It stays damp, not wet. Having a very clean tip is especially beneficial in avoiding solder bridges on the 0.5mm pitch. The flexible cord between the iron and the base station makes it easy to maneuver.

Great value!

I have used Weller products for years... no more. This Hakko iron heats fast and works great. Its a fraction of the cost of a Weller station. Dont mess with Weller anymore, their quality isnt what it used to be.

Absolutely the best. Only thing I wish is that it would come in a nice plastic case

I spent a considerable amount of time trying to decide among various soldering stations. I looked at just about every brand in this price range (less than $100) including several that were cheap Chinese knockoffs, Im really glad I went with the Hakko FX888D. It is substantial -- it is well made, the holder really holds the iron, it comes with both metal and sponge for cleaning the tip, it is accurate, it works great, and it heats up extremely fast. I love that it has a separate on-off switch, and the moment you turn it on, BAM, you see the temp zipping upwards. I chose to the model that came with 6 tips (1 on the unit itself, and 5 additional of various sizes). Im not sure I will use them all, but I like that I have them. And let me tell you, Hakko tips do not seem cheap! They are also extremely well made. The iron is ready to use as soon as you plug it in, but if you want to program it (I chose to use the 5 preset temperatures) It takes a few extra minutes to follow the instructions in order to do so. (The unit only has 2 buttons on front, not 3, so they must do double duty, and thats why you need to read the instructions) But other than that, it is a fabulous unit!

I originally bought this for soldering in some very small components, but I have found that it works equally well (with the right tip) for some pretty heavy duty work. I recently had to solder some leads onto some 1/2 x 1/16 copper strip and was pleasantly surprised that this iron, with a large tip, was up to the task, but also able to handle some tiny surface mount components when mated to an appropriate tip for that work. I also like the soldering iron stand, which holds the iron securely while isolating the tip. When I made the order, I assumed that the stand would be a lightweight affair, but it is hefty enough to stay in place.

Is as described. So far so good. Only a few days with it. But it heats up wicked quickly! Melts solder much easier than our butane portable. Why did we not buy this thing earlier!!! Confusing as all get out on the temp settings. Not an issue for us.. as I just turn on and go.. or not working with delicate temp electronics. I am sure if you were.. you would get used to the steps need to change the temps.

Good soldering station.

Best soldering system I have ever used.

Very robust, excellent design. hopefully it lives up to EEVBLOGs recommendation.