Advice on Soldering station from Circuit Specialists

[Garrison]

I am looking into purchasing my first soldering station and was wondering if anyone had any opinions (good or bad) in regard to this one from Circuit Specialists:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9748

[riri7707]

Hi,
Seems to be an OEM made by the biggest asian manufacturer....

The pen is exactly the same one as SAIKE or HAKKO.

The tips are very cheap and you can get them easy on Ebay for around 1.95 $ free shipment.
You can also find the heating element (ceramic) for less tha 10$
Extra iron for around 12$
So no worries, this is a good plan....

Personnally i got a SAIKE 852 D+     2 in 1 (iron+air), with tips for 88.99$ and the iron is perfect ...

On top of that : ESD Safe...

So for your price 46.95$, this is a good price...

Hope this helps...

Cheers,  Henri

[Garrison]

Thanks Henri! I appreciate the feedback.

[David_AVD]

Watch out with some of the Hakko clones.  We bought one once and was a complete pile of junk.  Sent it back for a refund.

[Garrison]

Watch out with some of the Hakko clones.  We bought one once and was a complete pile of junk.  Sent it back for a refund.

Thanks David! I'll keep that in mind when making my decision.

[Vairmoose]

This is the one that I bought and I'm very happy with it..   

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

Larry

[ChillOutDocDoc]

I have this one http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7508 same thing as vairmoose, but with a digital read out i love it, heats up quick, haven't needed to replace tip yet.

[Garrison]

It appears that both the CSI-STATION1A and CSI-STATION2A have a lot of fans on other forums as well. I think I will be be picking up the CSI-STATION2A along with some tips.

Thanks guys for helping me make my decision!

[D56VillageNut]

I have this one http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7508 same thing as vairmoose, but with a digital read out i love it, heats up quick, haven't needed to replace tip yet.

I'll second this.  I have the CSI-STATION2A and like it a lot.

Alan T

[Garrison]

Alan,

I did end up getting the CSI-STATION2A and it worked like a champ. Although I've only used to put together an RPM DMX dongle so far, but I can't wait to use it on my 2 LE's.

Garrison

[cenote]

I also, just bought this station....LOVE IT!  Never thought it made a difference from a raidio-shack iron and a station, but I was WRONG.  Major control using a station!

[Flash69]

I have the CSI-STATION2A and love it.  I have literally soldered thousands of solder points with it and it's great.  The only MINOR complaint I have is the wire to the station from the iron is shorter than I would have liked.

[Bridgette]

I was looking at the specs for the  station2a but couldnt see anywhere the input /primary voltage, it sells in EU and USA, Im wondering whether it is a 240V input?, I imagine so but not sure, can someone give me guidance on this. Most posts on soldering stations have been from the USA, what are the ozzies using?
Thanks
Bree

[TheBanker]

I wanted to get an opinion on this one....yes I am interested in having the heat gun / rework station.  I don't own a heat gun and this would accomplish a couple different tools in one.

http://www.amazon.com/X-TRONIC-Digital-Rework-Soldering-Station/dp/B003TC8EQS/ref=sr_1_167?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1296433795&sr=1-167

[ɟɐsʇǝppʎ]

I wanted to get an opinion on this one....yes I am interested in having the heat gun / rework station.  I don't own a heat gun and this would accomplish a couple different tools in one.

http://www.amazon.com/X-TRONIC-Digital-Rework-Soldering-Station/dp/B003TC8EQS/ref=sr_1_167?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1296433795&sr=1-167

Im not sure about that model but this is the model im eyeing out at the moment, Phil has got one and is very happy with it for the money

http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-968-Digital-Rework-Station/dp/B000HDG0AO/ref=pd_cp_hi_1