Quoted from Completist:

I have no issues with my unit. I usually remove the whole flipper assembly and rebuild it on the bench doing everthing i can there (eos / capacitor wiring) I don’t run it too hot (370 - 390C) and can solder more than one wire onto a terminal. I use a chisel tip but nothing too big and don’t have to heat up the joint for more than a few secs.
Obviously if you have no probs with the home depot iron, technique and solder isnt the problem....
Hope you get it figured out - i consider my hakko to be one of the best investments ive made in the hobby. I’m trying to convince myself that i don’t need the hakko FR-300 desoldering gun and i suspect i will lose that arguement with myself lol