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For regular but non-professional use. Guessing the days when something like Weller was the default suggestion are over and something (decent) from a Chinese brand on Amazon is just as good for hobby use? (and more features/better VFM)
I like the idea of multiple-use stations - my work area can get a bit "busy" so something compact with a lot of features is appealing. Really like the idea of this one (and the brand seems generally well regarded, although could just be the Amazon review bots in action!) although it's [I]way[/I] more than I want to spend really!
Desoldering is something I do a [I]lot[/I] whilst tinkering, currently use a manual suction tool, so a one-handed de-soldering tool sounds really good. SMD is something I do occasionally but not often but would be handy & presumably the hot air gun is also useful for heat-shrink which I do use often?
EDIT: ugh, not sure if Amazon link is working (says something about Kindle on my screen) so have added screenshot
The Yihua stations seem to have a good rep but being in the same position sadly most recommendations seem to not exist any more.
Do you need a full station?
Even if you do, it's worth having one of these as well, awesome little tool!
https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/
I run one of a laptop PSU or USB-C and build quadcopters and work on RC stuff, my 3d printer and kids toys, it handles fine stuff all the way up to soldering wires onto an XT60 and tips are readily available.
Review
https://www.theverge.com/23541478/pinecil-best-cheap-soldering-iron-open-source
Ooh, that looks a lot more usable than my basic Antex. A nice silicone cable and that would be perfect for a lot of my work.
I think this is an update of the one I have
You can probably spend less now though- I got mine a few years ago and there weren't as many good budget options. I'd not be without full digital control and the hot air gun now, I can solder without them of course but they just make the tool so much better. More useful for other jobs too, way way better for plastic welding frinstance. It does lack a solder sucker though, I just use the braid stuff mostly but I suspect you do more of that than I do
I’ve only ever really used ERSA stations and found them to be extremely reliable workhorses. Digital 80 would’ve been the model I used, also had the Analogue 60 and 80 models too and to be fair worked just as well. Digital display was nicer though of course.
looks like the digital 80 has been renamed digital 2000 now.
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/soldering-stations/3885668
Okay so Northwind's link is actually https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soldering-Conversion-Temperature-Correction-Function/dp/B089Y5D52W
My one is a bit like this, a Yihua-a-like. It is probably old hat to have the air heater on the station rather then the wand though.
And looking through some old topics Northwind actually has a Yihua 825D
FWIW I'd stick with Yihua for a station, they seem to have a decent rep as said before [s]and seem to be ridiculously cheap on AliExpress[/s] not so cheap once you add tax and shipping. Better selection though.
https://yihua.aliexpress.com/store/401349