The iron holder that comes with the kit is made out of painted metal. A yellow ceramic insert secures the iron without the possibility of anything melting or catching fire. A switch built into the holder puts the soldering station into sleep mode when the iron is positioned in the cradle. This reduces energy consumption and improves tip life at the expense of having to wait for the iron to heat up after taking a break. Speed - Metcal wins on heating efficiency. Pace and JBC seem to have similar performance at ~80% of set temp. As they approach set temp the JBC overshoots before settling, the Pace undershoots before settling (both by design). Since the profiles and tip plating are different between the two stations/irons the JBC appears to have a slight edge. All three stations are fast comparatively (2-4 seconds on low mass tips). The control panel is needlessly complicated. Simply changing the temperature requires three buttons to accomplish. The * button selects the digit to change and the Up and Down buttons move it. The # button is used to set the temperature offset based on the thermal capacity of the tip mounted in the iron. This parameter is the first one to consider when buying the device. It is crucial if you are engaged in soldering delicate details on tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets. The choice depends on the work for which you are using the soldering station. For soldering circuit boards, a power of 25-40 watts is sufficient. Ergonomics

Many seasoned professionals argue that it ultimately comes down to a matter of personal preference. However, the Hakko FX-951 has proven to be a reliable and durable choice for electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike. Another option is to use a brass wire tip cleaner, which can be gently rubbed on the tip of the iron to remove any buildup. A traditional soldering iron takes from 5 to 10 minutes to heat up to a temperature sufficient for reliable melting of the solder and soldering. Based on my experience with the Hakko FX-951 soldering station, we can confidently say that they are indeed a reliable and high-quality brand. The temperature control on this particular model is very precise and allows for easy adjustments while soldering. It also has a convenient sleep function to conserve energy when not in use. Which is better – Weller or Hakko?The angle of the iron holder can be changed freely so that the iron holder accommodates soldering in both a standing and a sitting position. Knife Shape for line, face and point soldering. It is used for soldering at narrow pitches, correction of bridging and drag soldering. A red LED on the handle lights up when the iron is hot. Hakko missed the opportunity to turn the LED green when the iron reached its operating temperature, which is an essential feature for anyone who cannot hear the buzzer. Deaf users will have to rely on their instincts.

In general, the Hakko soldering stations are known for being reliable and durable. Many users praise their ergonomic design and ease of use.This type has a shape like a cone or column cut at a slant, which allows users to select the cut surface size depending on the workpiece. One feature that sets the Hakko FX-951 apart is its temperature control knob, which allows for precise temperature adjustment in increments of 10°F (5°C). It also features a digital display for easy reading of the current temperature setting. Another standout feature is its fast heat-up time, reaching 350°F (177°C) in just 15 seconds. Overall, the Hakko FX-951 soldering station offers precise temperature control, fast heat-up time, and a compact design for an efficient and comfortable soldering experience. Useful Video: Hakko FX-951 Soldering Station Forget switching the unit from the factory default Fahrenheit to Celsius without the aid of the manual. The process involves holding buttons while turning the unit on. Configuring the sleep mode is even more insane.

The FX-951 is not a particularly powerful soldering station. Rated at 75 Watts it is just barely more powerful than Hakko’s own entry-level station, the FX-888D. All of it adds up to the good, but ultimately mediocre performance. It takes the unit ~20 seconds to reach 350 degrees Celsius from a cold start. Recovery from sleep mode takes 5-10 seconds depending on how much time the iron had to cool. Can be used in combination with the HAKKO 490 smoke cleaner or the HAKKO 494 smoke absorbing system for line-production.Improve solderability and wettability with the HAKKO N 2system. *Requires a variety of equipment in addition to the N 2soldering iron. The FX-951 is very much defined by its iron, the FM-2027. Getting heat where it needs to go has never been this easy. The small wand almost feels like an extension of your hand. The power cable barely weighs it down. Few irons in the industry can match the handling of Hakko’s latest iron. This is one of the best irons for soldering small parts you can find on the market. Specially designed handle and tip provide improved workability when mounting minute, high-density electronic components.*Can also be used with the following stations: Hakko offers a wide variety of tips for use with the FX-951. Due to their size, the tips are 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than the tips used on entry-level soldering stations. The iron is compatible with Hakko’s professional soldering station, the FM-203, should you choose to upgrade in the future. Performance