Hakko soldering systems.
 

Do I need the heat controller with the soldering iron or is it enough to get the iron alone? these things look really good. Pricy, though.

the controller and the iron come in a package - you need one for the other - I know it is a bit on the pricey side - but the first time you use it - you will be more than happy that you purchased it. In all areas it excells -

Do I get a set of tips with the package?

depending on which model you order - it dosent come with an assortment - you buy it with the one you want (or are going to use the most) and buy another for the other applications.

I use the HAkko And am lovin' it. It comes with one tip. Works for me. Turn it on heats up in no time, and vaporizes solder in a flash. So for superior to any other soldering iron that I have ever used.

How much did it cost you, Papa?

I bought mine at the following link. Got it fast. For $77.95

http://shop.kiesub.com/Detail.bok?no=3

I'm with Papa. The hakko iron is killer. well worth it IMO. I don't know how I got along without it, actually. :)

You get the heat controller and the iron and the whole thing for only $78?!!! quite good. I thought I might spend over 200 dollars for a good one.

Thats a fact Jack! lol

I am not sure they will ship over seas unless you have a military APO box. A=main hobbies also has them. here. http://www.amainhobbies.com/advanced...hakko&x=57&y=7 a bit more pricey. Check with Mike maybe he can work out a deal for you?

Do you use a chesil or pointed head tip?

Check my edit for another source. I have just been using the small chisel tip it came with. Another broader chisel tip might be a nice feature to have if you are going to order. the 5.6 mm tip would be better for battery packsand other big jobs. The One that comes with it suits fine for wiring duties and other fine jobs.

I hope Mike can help. I'll see with him, later.

Meh, I'm still happy with my $20 Weller 80w for cells and wiring, the $15 Weller 20w comes out for re-doing servo leads and circuit board stuff.

I'm quite content with my 70w gas iron, its adjustable temp and came with a hot-air attachment (great for heatshrink), a hot-knife blade and a mini blowtorch attachment. It struggled a bit to do my new GP3700's though, takes a couple of secs beacuse the tip is only a chisel 4mm one. Great for everything else though, espically on-site work in the middle of a field, all you need is a bit of butane. Only set me back about the equivlant of $40 as well.

Still crack out my 21w Antex iron though when I'm doing circuit work, ironically that cost me more, at the equivlant of $45. Get what you pay for though, this is still on its first tip which is in great condition. Tips on my gas one only last a couple of months.