what isolated solder iron do you recomend?

[Dave239]

I used to use a regular 35 watt iron but now I'm getting back in to the tinkering hobby, I realize I should be using an isolated or ceramic iron, I only see the Hakko 600 on Ebay from Japan, is this a reliable unit or should I look else where?
Are all soldering stations isolated or do I have to research that too?

 

[sonoma]

I use a Hakko iron and it works just fine for me. you will find others that will have a favorite iron to use.

 

[DainBramage]

even the Hakko's can exceed 2 mV if they are not maintained properly.

http://www.hakko.com/english/maintenance/topic_station_type_1.html

I personally have never had any issues with tip voltage on any of my soldering pencils, but then, I also have never put my VOM probe on a HOT tip either

YMMV.

 

[C2]

Hakko makes a great product, well respected and I'd say best in class. I prefer the station type irons and went with a 951. The 888 is very common in the electronics hobbyist arena.

 

[Dave239]

Hakko makes a great product, well respected and I'd say best in class. I prefer the station type irons and went with a 951. The 888 is very common in the electronics hobbyist arena.

what about a ceramic insulated iron, did they ever get on the market? wont get any voltage through that I don't believe

 

[unit_399]

I use a Weller model WTCPN. https://physics.ucsd.edu/neurophysics/Manuals/Weller Tech/Weller Tech Sheet WTCPR.pdf

 

[Tallman]

I used to use a regular 35 watt iron but now I'm getting back in to the tinkering hobby, I realize I should be using an isolated or ceramic iron, I only see the Hakko 600 on Ebay from Japan, is this a reliable unit or should I look else where?
Are all soldering stations isolated or do I have to research that too?

I like the Metcal products. Also any of the ESD rated units should be safe.

 

[C2]

what about a ceramic insulated iron, did they ever get on the market? wont get any voltage through that I don't believe

You can read the specifications on the Hakko site. The FX-888D uses a ceramic heating element, uses same tips as the FX-600, but I've not read much about the FX-600. I just prefer a station type iron for their superior performance, and the FX-888D offers a lot in a relatively inexpensive package. It's not a Metcal, but still a good iron for what you pay. I picked the FX-951 because of the automatic shutoff and standby modes, and the thing heats up fast and holds temp great - I never gave leakage a second thought.

 

[C2]

I found you a more gooder iron.

 

[Klondike Mike]

I just ordered one of these from eBay, 12v DC. Should eliminate concerns.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/131538423491?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[davew41]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-2In1-86...73058030&tpos=top&ttype=price&talgo=undefined

these work well