Nice, cheap soldering iron (Aoyue 937+)

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09-26-2010, 03:45 PM
Intropy

Nice, cheap soldering iron (Aoyue 937+)

Just thought I'd share what seems to have been a great purchase. I believe in doing things the right way, so when it comes to wiring that means a quality solder job. Normally I would buy name-brand stuff like Weller or Hakko, but this time I took a chance and went with the Chinese Aoyue 937+, a digital temperature-controlled iron like the Weller WESD51. At only $50 or so (1/3 to 1/5 of the price of a Weller or Hakko iron), it's only slightly more expensive than a ratshack firestarter and soooo much nicer.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/cba05063.jpg
09-26-2010, 04:41 PM
marshallh

Good buy. They're very much like the Hakko 936 (which I use when I can at school here).

I have a bunch of Weller plug-in irons but nothing's touched my Weller pyropen. I love it so much I got another. The one on the right has seen more than 30-40 bottles of butane through it in 3 years, and the catalyst is just now starting to wear down.

This came in real handy when I installed my car computer. That was a couple years ago, I installed it in the college parking lot a half mile from my dorm. It's so nice to have no cords
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/9505/img1490as.jpg

One of my next irons will be a Aoyue SMD rework station. I've done tons of smd soldering with the pyropens, flux and solder wick, but there's nothing like picking up a 208pin chip and moving it right off the board.
09-26-2010, 04:52 PM
Intropy

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshallh

I have a bunch of Weller plug-in irons but nothing's touched my Weller pyropen. I love it so much I got another. The one on the right has seen more than 30-40 bottles of butane through it in 3 years, and the catalyst is just now starting to wear down.

One of my next irons will be a Aoyue SMD rework station. I've done tons of smd soldering with the pyropens, flux and solder wick, but there's nothing like picking up a 208pin chip and moving it right off the board.

Nice, I thought about getting one of those butane-powered Wellers. I might have to pick one up now.

I can't believe what a killer value those Aoyue rework stations are. I almost thought about just spending the extra money and getting one.
09-26-2010, 04:59 PM
green-lantern

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intropy

Just thought I'd share what seems to have been a great purchase. I believe in doing things the right way, so when it comes to wiring that means a quality solder job. Normally I would buy name-brand stuff like Weller or Hakko, but this time I took a chance and went with the Chinese Aoyue 937+, a digital temperature-controlled iron like the Weller WESD51. At only $50 or so (1/3 to 1/5 of the price of a Weller or Hakko iron), it's only slightly more expensive than a ratshack firestarter and soooo much nicer.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/cba05063.jpg

but you suck at soldering :lol: ;)
09-26-2010, 05:02 PM
x2percentmilk

LOVE my Hakko 936. Love love love it. And I got it super cheap used, but in great condition, on ebay. Doesnt have that nifty solder holder though, might have to make something to copy that.

Generally its always worth getting a temperature controlled "station" instead of those cheapo ones if you plan on doing anything more than one joint :P Really makes a difference.
09-26-2010, 05:15 PM
Intropy

Quote:

Originally Posted by green-lantern

but you suck at soldering :lol: ;)

Not anymore! :) My main problem was the iron, which I now realize after using this.
09-26-2010, 05:18 PM
Polygon

Very interesting.

I still use a soldering iron that's far older than I am.
09-26-2010, 06:03 PM
green-lantern

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intropy

Not anymore! :) My main problem was the iron, which I now realize after using this.

Yeah I just had to :poke: you for that one time at my place. I use a cheap-O and it can get frustrating at times.
09-26-2010, 06:12 PM
Austin@STM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intropy

Just thought I'd share what seems to have been a great purchase. I believe in doing things the right way, so when it comes to wiring that means a quality solder job. Normally I would buy name-brand stuff like Weller or Hakko, but this time I took a chance and went with the Chinese Aoyue 937+, a digital temperature-controlled iron like the Weller WESD51. At only $50 or so (1/3 to 1/5 of the price of a Weller or Hakko iron), it's only slightly more expensive than a ratshack firestarter and soooo much nicer.

http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...y/cba05063.jpg

At first glance i thought it was a "wire feed" soldering iron, which i have never heard of.

90% of the time i just stick with a butane iron, but the one you got looks pretty fancy, i kind of want to try one now.

BTW - I 100% agree, every connection should be solder.
09-26-2010, 06:20 PM
green-lantern

Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin@STM

At first glance i thought it was a "wire feed" soldering iron, which i have never heard of.

90% of the time i just stick with a butane iron, but the one you got looks pretty fancy, i kind of want to try one now.

BTW - I 100% agree, every connection should be solder.

lol I did too at 1st glance. I need a new one. I might give this a shot.

edit: Justin, where did you get this?
09-26-2010, 08:16 PM
Intropy

Quote:

Originally Posted by green-lantern

edit: Justin, where did you get this?

Amazon.com, it was like $53 with free shipping.
09-27-2010, 08:27 AM
GTOJOE

I bought one of these some time ago for the workshop. Same brand but with the built in vacuum. Was a good buy.