Hakko FX601-02 Adjustable Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron, 67 Watts

I bought this elsewhere, as I needed a replacement iron quickly and mine had burnt out. Quick background - I have made a few hundred large stained glass windows in lead came, and now make products using copper came and sheet. I have used Leponitt, Hexacon and Weller irons around the 100W range and needed something similar, but with better temperature control for stop start work. First the good - this is a great little iron for small work. The temperature control works brilliantly and the iron does indeed heat up really quickly. The bad - it is not the equivalent of a 100w iron with a heavier tip and is really no good for working quickly on larger projects. This would be fine if they didnt claim it was great for large windows and compare it to a 100w iron. The reasons this iron heats up quickly are twofold 1) The ceramic element is probably marginally more efficient than a nichrome wire wound one 2) The heating element is heating a much smaller thermal mass. This is great for heating up, but also means there isnt much energy stored in the tip, so if you work with copper came, or solder a long joint it will run out of steam and the joint will go cold. It does heat up again, in 20 seconds or so. I love the idea of not heating a big mass of tip, but I think you would need a 200 watt ceramic element to push enough energy into the joints to keep up.

It works very well, the cord is too heavy and not pliable for a iron that is energy efficient that is an overkill.

the white heating element break how do I replace it.

Does the job, and does it well.. We use this one for doing stained glass projects

Is this used? Why is there already solder on the tip? Is this normal?

As a newbie to stained glass I needed a versatile soldering iron. What I love about this tool is the speed in which it gets to temperature. Either hotter or cooler it responds quickly to change. Its comfortable in hand and is like using a pencil. My husband is a seasoned glass works creator and kept stealing my iron. Now he broke down and purchased one for himself. He has used the Weller 100 for years but prefers this one.

Had used Weller Irons for over 25 yrs. I tried to replace my Weller with the same model twice. Neither iron would heat up correctly. The Hakko iron works perfectly. The adjustable heat setting is a bonus. Unlike Weller, this iron comes with the correct size tip.I did have to modify the opening on my iron stand since the collar on the Hakko is a bit wider. It is lighter weight and a joy to use.

Worked well when I first got it, over a year later and it still works well. I think thats the important thing.

Love it. Gets up to temp in like 20 seconds and stays there. Really helps make great lines.

lasted one month...buy another brand!