Yihua 936 Soldering Station - Seems like a great buy!

[Arcane Analog]

This seems like a really good buy. There are plenty of reviews found online praising the quality of the iron. For the cash it seems well worth a shot. Maybe if you have been a good girl/boy you can ask Santa for one!

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24790__Soldering_Station_with_Adjustable_Heat_Range_with_US_Plug.html

[amptramp]

Anytime I see a recommendation for a soldering station, my first throughts are, can you get replacement elements and tips for it?  But at this price, if anything goes wrong, just get another one.  I couldn't buy the line cord and the DIN connectors for that price!

[wavley]

Anytime I see a recommendation for a soldering station, my first throughts are, can you get replacement elements and tips for it?  But at this price, if anything goes wrong, just get another one.  I couldn't buy the line cord and the DIN connectors for that price!

Sure does look like a Hakko 936, if the Hakko tips fit (like on my Xytronic for home) then it looks like you are golden!

[Arcane Analog]

The reviews have all stated the unit uses the same tips as the Hakko 936 and I see that there are replacement parts readily available. My iron just died so I need a new one. Might as well take one for the team, pick one up and report back.

[aion]

Some people toward the bottom of the comment stream are saying that the newer versions of it are poor quality and don't heat up very well. May not be worth the risk.

I very highly recommend this one - been using it for two years and it's a great tool:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi-station1a.html

It's twice the price of the Yihua (still only $30, though), and I don't know for sure if it's compatible with Hakko 936 tips (though I suspect it is), but CSI sells a huge variety of replacement tips and accessories so there's no shortage of options.

[Processaurus]

In the reviews:

I know this says 110 volt but I'm wondering if it can take 240 volt if I solder a new plug on it

But how will they solder the plug on???  They'll have to do it LIVE with the 240 running through the wires being soldered.  Rawk on!

[Arcane Analog]

Some people toward the bottom of the comment stream are saying that the newer versions of it are poor quality and don't heat up very well. May not be worth the risk.

Also in those same comments were the tips causing the issue. I already have tips.