RCX -- Hakko Pro Soldering Tools

[MattHiggins]

These guy smake the finest soldering irons. I didn't even know they made a heat gun, but I want one.

http://www.rccaraction.com//Media/MediaManager/rcx 009.jpg

http://www.rccaraction.com//Media/MediaManager/rcx 011_0.jpg
You can now get their solder iron with the slick wrap.

http://www.rccaraction.com//Media/MediaManager/rcx 012.jpg

[BIGDADDYV]

Is that a sticker kit that you can get for your iron or are they just for new irons ???

[MattHiggins]

You can order the sticker kit right with the iron.

[MR4X4KING]

whats the website to buy one i really need one

[BIGDADDYV]

I have a HAKKO and you cant go wrong with one ... THEY ARE WONDERFUL :D ... Thanks for the info Matt i will have to check into it ;)

[7urb0_c471]

http://www.hakkousa.com/

I run a 936, and it is hands-down the best iron I have ever seen or used. Those wraps look pretty slick.

[savagekid94]

i love my 936!!

[savagekid94]

where can i get the wrap i already have the iron

[MattHiggins]

You can get the wraps (Hot Skins) directly from Hakko USA. Their website is hakkousa.com (http://www.hakkousa.com) and you can even contact the Customer Service Supervisor, Sheryl Rodriguez, directly at sheryl.rodriguez@hakkousa.com. I have a feeling the Hot Skins are going to go fast. They are available in three color treatments: red, blue and orange. Check out their website, the specs on the heat gun are serious.

[PeterV]

Did you guys know that "Hakko" rhymes with "taco?" I thought it was pronounced "Hay-koh." Live and learn.

[7urb0_c471]

I always thought it was 'hay-koh' as well! I'm not sure how I'll cope with such a drastic change to my life...

Does anyone use those little gold metal fiber tip cleaners instead of wet foam pads? I am thinking they would 'wear out' as the accumulate used solder, so I don't see any advantage to using one unless they really clean the tip well.

[MattHiggins]

Does anyone use those little gold metal fiber tip cleaners instead of wet foam pads? I am thinking they would 'wear out' as the accumulate used solder, so I don't see any advantage to using one unless they really clean the tip well.
I don't know how well they last (they might last forever for all I know) but they work soooo much better than a wet sponge.

[7urb0_c471]

Apparently the wire element does not last forever, so they offer a refill package for about $4. Part# 599-029. The actual unit costs about $9, so this will be another item on my to-purchase list :D.

[Needler56]

what's that last picture supposed to be?

[7urb0_c471]

That is the soldering iron tip cleaner we're talking about. I just use the sponge that came with the iron (wet of course) to wipe excess solder off the tip and to make sure it is clean, but apparently this gold wire arrangement does a much more effective and better job. Plus is looks bawlin' compared to a sponge :D.

[Needler56]

ouuu nice, i would love to have one of those! so these hakkos's, would it be overkill to own one of these systems if and only if i do the ocassional battery build, deans plug and motor hardwiring?

[7urb0_c471]

My 936 cost about $125 with tax, no rebates or coupons. I do not use it frequently, and primarily solder up Deans connectors. Although it's expensive, the advantage is that I will never need to upgrade to a more powerful soldering iron, and it is very flexible in that I can change from very low temperatures to fairly high temperatures with the twist of a dial. Plus, Hakko have numerous tips for a variety of jobs, but the 907 iron I got is the one my LHS suggested and works perfectly for RC applications.

Remember though, this is a soldering station, so it includes a power regulator / supply, the iron, and a nice weighted stand with a cavity for a sponge. You can go with just a soldering iron like this one (http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=49,115&PID=421&Page=1), which although is listed at 45w still provides high temps. Also remember that the tip is very important: a large tip will retain the high temperatures required for thicker gauge wire soldering (like what we do in RC), while a thinner tip is better for fine soldering, but dissipates heat more quickly. No doubt my 936 would not perform well in RC, even for $125, if I had an inappropriately small tip.

I must have one, and only $14!
http://www.hakkousa.com/AHPDirect%5Cimages/936-skins2.jpg

[knotted]

Once you switch to the wire tip cleaner you will not ever want to go back! I threw all my sponges in the trash.