My new toy: Evolution of the soldering iron..

**ripley802** · **ripley802** 03-16-2017, 10:22 PM Moderator

Well I have come quite a ways with soldering from when I first started out. I first bought a little $6 unit at Harbor Freight. I repaired my very first engine (motor swap) with it which sealed the deal for me and my love for repairing these trains. I then went through probably 7 of these units and finally stepped it up with the Weller unit which was around $28. This was hands down the best I had used and I loved this one. I have had it for some time now and while it has been great I wanted to upgrade. Enter in the Hakko FX-888D unit. While I have not used it yet, I cannot wait. I have watched several reviews and researched this one quite a bit. The variable temp, quick heating, and modular base are some of the benefits. The sponge and the wire cleaning spots are cool too.

Left to right, cheap-o unit - not so cheap-o unit.. Confused

[Image: A8EAEFEB-81C5-4A04-B15C-CFADC34692FB_zpso6jkwysy.jpg]

**Super** · **Super** 03-16-2017, 11:14 PM Track Engineer

Wow, quite the professional look. I have seen this one too and it looks good enough to keep out on the kitchen counter Smile

Let us know your thoughts after using it.

**ripley802** · **ripley802** 03-16-2017, 11:25 PM Moderator

(03-16-2017, 11:14 PM)Super Wrote: Wow, quite the professional look. I have seen this one too and it looks good enough to keep out on the kitchen counter Let us know your thoughts after using it.

Will do. Yes it is quite nice and I am hoping will help with the repairs, now all I need is some more time.. too bad you can't find that on eBay.. Dodgy

**Super** · **Super** 03-16-2017, 11:43 PM Track Engineer

(03-16-2017, 11:25 PM)ripley802 Wrote: now all I need is some more time.. too bad you can't find that on eBay..

That may be too expensive as everybody would be bidding on that Smile

Nigels · Nigels 03-17-2017, 07:54 PM Posting Freak

I've got something similar that I bought about a year or so back, works a treat as it is temperature controlled and as you say warms up so much quicker than the standard models. Wish I'd bought one years ago... Smile

**ripley802** · **ripley802** 03-30-2017, 12:37 AM Moderator

Quick post about this soldering iron.. it is awesome.. If you are doing any sort of repeated tedious soldering, make the investment and get one. It heats up in about 5 seconds, cools down fast, and works flawlessly. Having the base be separate is nice too. Let me know if anyone has any questions..

**Super** · **Super** 03-30-2017, 02:15 AM Track Engineer

What do you mean "Having the base be separate", they are all separate right?

**ripley802** · **ripley802** 03-30-2017, 08:15 AM Moderator

(03-30-2017, 02:15 AM)Super Wrote: What do you mean "Having the base be separate", they are all separate right?

Like how the red one in my photo is simply the iron, it has no base or any other components. You have to lay it down or put it in a holder but I always ended up either knocking it over or laying something in it. It is sort of nice having the bit that plugs in in one spot then being able to put the iron piece where ever you need. May just be me though..

**Super** · **Super** 03-30-2017, 12:22 PM Track Engineer

I get it now Big Grin