3 ms·

I can guarantee it is leagues better. Frankly, I won't solder anymore unless it is with a direct-heat iron. They heat up instantly, cool down quickly, provide f

I can guarantee it is leagues better. Frankly, I won't solder anymore unless it is with a direct-heat iron. They heat up instantly, cool down quickly, provide far better thermal transfer, and are much more comfortable to hold. Don't brush off what I'm saying before you try a direct-heat iron (Hakko sells them, Pace does, and JBC is the gold standard). They are usually expensive from the big names, but even a Pinecil direct-heat iron for $30$ would be many times better than non-direct-heat irons.

globular-toast 2y ago
Is the OP one a direct heat iron?
- bangaladore 2y ago
  Yes. The easiest way to tell is the soldering "tip" is much more than a tip. It's a cartridge. [1] [1] https://hackaday.com/2024/09/12/review-ifixits-fixhub-may-be-the-last-soldering-iron-you-ever-buy/fixhub_tip/ https://hackaday.com/2024/09/12/review-ifixits-fixhub-may-be...
epiccoleman 2y ago
Oh man, I don't need to hear this. When I got my FX-888 I was blown away by the difference between it and the cheapo Radio Shack style one I had muddled through with as a teen. And now, for only $200 or so, I can get something that's another step change? I don't even know when I last soldered and that's still tempting at a deep-seated nerd level.
- talldayo 2y ago
  I can't recommend a Pinecil enough. It's cheap as chips and basically has all the best features of other irons I've used. No complaints, I've half a mind to stockpile them and hand them out as gifts to nerd-inclined friends.
  - epiccoleman 2y ago
    $30? $30?! You got me. Pinecil is en route. Thanks for the recommendation!
    - talldayo 2y ago
      Enjoy! Best hidden feature is the Bluetooth connectivity that lets you dial in precise controls from your phone or browser. It's definitely a keeper, and doubles as "that one RISC-V thing I own" when your nerd friends drop by.
    - javchz 2y ago
      Me too, I used to think I hated soldering, until I tried a proper solder station in a shop, but for the amount of repairs I do, I couldn't justify spend 200 in something like that, but this PINECIL sounds like a great middle ground.
      - talldayo 2y ago
        It's pretty nice. The key is to have a high enough wattage USB that you can feed it over 50w for a quick heatup, in my experience. I use a fast charger brick I bought for my phone and it works like a charm.

globular-toast 2y ago

Is the OP one a direct heat iron?

bangaladore 2y ago
Yes. The easiest way to tell is the soldering "tip" is much more than a tip. It's a cartridge. [1] [1] https://hackaday.com/2024/09/12/review-ifixits-fixhub-may-be-the-last-soldering-iron-you-ever-buy/fixhub_tip/ https://hackaday.com/2024/09/12/review-ifixits-fixhub-may-be...

epiccoleman 2y ago

Oh man, I don't need to hear this. When I got my FX-888 I was blown away by the difference between it and the cheapo Radio Shack style one I had muddled through with as a teen. And now, for only $200 or so, I can get something that's another step change? I don't even know when I last soldered and that's still tempting at a deep-seated nerd level.

talldayo 2y ago
I can't recommend a Pinecil enough. It's cheap as chips and basically has all the best features of other irons I've used. No complaints, I've half a mind to stockpile them and hand them out as gifts to nerd-inclined friends.
- epiccoleman 2y ago
  $30? $30?! You got me. Pinecil is en route. Thanks for the recommendation!
  - talldayo 2y ago
    Enjoy! Best hidden feature is the Bluetooth connectivity that lets you dial in precise controls from your phone or browser. It's definitely a keeper, and doubles as "that one RISC-V thing I own" when your nerd friends drop by.
  - javchz 2y ago
    Me too, I used to think I hated soldering, until I tried a proper solder station in a shop, but for the amount of repairs I do, I couldn't justify spend 200 in something like that, but this PINECIL sounds like a great middle ground.
    - talldayo 2y ago
      It's pretty nice. The key is to have a high enough wattage USB that you can feed it over 50w for a quick heatup, in my experience. I use a fast charger brick I bought for my phone and it works like a charm.