On 3/8/2021 8:20 AM, Josh Malone wrote:
On Sun, Mar 7, 2021 at 11:48 PM RETRO Innovations <[email protected]> wrote:
That tip looks amazing. I sadly do not have a Hakko, but I'm almost convinced
to buy one just to try out that tip. Can you suggest a not terribly expensive
model to select? (I currently have a Metcal MX500, and I love it, but I agree
that tip seems too good to pass up).
Well, I'm surprised, but I don't see that Metcal sells a K tip for
that station. The FX series are the current Hakko stations - maybe
FX-951 or so. I almost hate to suggest moving from a Metcal to
anything else, though. Maybe there are third-party tips available? I
don't know enough about the Metcal stations to know what's compatible
with it.
Until this point, I've had no reason to complain, but I'm always on the
lookout for easier ways to drag solder. I did look at options, and I
feel I need to declutter my bench a bit, so I looked at the 206, since I
could potentially replace my PACE and my Metcal with one unit.
I will admit I *love* the metcal thin pencil grips, but it looks like
Hakko has a similar option.
I'm planning on adding a second soldering station to my bench and I'm
seriously considering a "KSGER T12" type station. These are very
inexpensive irons that take cartridge-style tips, but there are plenty
of styles available. Despite their price, I've heard good things about
them and seen very skilled rework techs use them on YouTube.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/KSGER-T12-Soldering-Iron-Station-MIni-STM32-OLED-V2-01-DIY-Kits-FX9501/114222442536
for instance.
I know we're getting far afield of the main topic, but I'm curious as to
rationale for a second soldering station. The Metcal has such cartridge
tips, and I find that I just leave a few different types in the pencil
iron receptacle (there's slots there) and pop them in as I need. Maybe
I'm just spoiled with the cartridges
Interestingly, the tip in the eBay listing looks pretty much like the
cartridge my Metcal uses, so perhaps I should just look for aftermarket
tips.
Jim
