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

I upgraded from an Aoyue 469, and it is a world of difference. First, this station heats up very quickly. I use preset mode with 3 settings: 180 C for standby, 265 C for normal soldering (trial and error to fit my technique), and 330 C for high heat like desoldering. I can do some soldering, re-tin, and press Up-Up-enter to set the station to 180 C and place the iron into its holder, which holds the iron at the perfect angle. When I want to start soldering again, Up-Enter and its at temp in <5 seconds. The iron is not heavy, but still delivers a good amount of heat. Yes, setting up the station through the interface is horrible. You need the manual in the box AND the manual online for the extra settings. I highly suggest you set up the FX888D for preset-mode. Manually adjusting the temperature is not easy (press and hold enter, set each digit with many clicks, then press enter again). Set the temperatures you want in a few presets and changing temperatures is so easy. Not was easy as a knob (pot or encoder), though. Compared to my 469, I am using less solder due to tip maintenance. The 469 was constantly burning the rosin and quickly turning the tip black. I have now used my FX888D for longer than the 469 and the tip still looks very good compared to the same Genuine Hakko tip that I use on the 469. Also, the 469 needed to be at a higher temperature in order to work as quickly as the FX888D. I bought this bundle because it comes with extra genuine tips.

Great soldering iron. Replaced my cheap Wagner iron with this one and it is a remarkable difference. The temperature control, ergonomics, tip selection and stand make for a great soldering experience. The only difficulty I found was directions on how to change tips which I found instructions online.

Good quality product.

Dont let the colors throw you off, this is a well built tool.

Ive been working with electronics for over 30 years and Ive used a number of professional soldering stations (as well as the cheap soldering pencils that fit in a field kit). If you are looking for a solid unit for home/hobby or even professional use you wont go wrong with this one. This is well built and should last many years. The programming is a bit cryptic (you have to read the manual closely) but you can just leave it in the direct-temperature-setting mode and its easy to work with. If you really _must_ change tips all the time, you might consider buying a unit like the Hakko FX-951, but you can buy two of these at the same cost. This unit comes with the North American cordset (NEMA 5-15P plug) and is for 120 VAC. The kit has a good assortment of tips which is a big plus. Heres a link to the manual: https://doc.hakko.com/download.php?_gs=on&l=en&kp=FX-888D&d=3316

This is a really nice soldering station. It heats to soldering temperature in about 30 seconds. Very well made and designed. Holds temperature very well.

Works great! Value priced! Temp contoller seems to be spot on. Way better than those sub 50w units and very much worth the extra cost.

Very good product.

This is an awesome soldering station.. you need this. Buy it and dont look back.

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.