Also got a new Hakko FX888D soldering station, which is a pretty big improvement on my $20 Jaycar one
That looks like a good soldering station, and def a step up from a basic "stick"!

If you haven't already, I would recommend getting a chisel tip for it. A pencil tip (usually provided as the stock tip) will still be challenging to heat up the back of a pot no matter how high you set the temp on the base.

FWIW, my station is a 48w Duratech (Jaycar brand) and has served me well for over 10 years. Not as flash as the Hakko (password protected heat setting???) but I think it was $99 back then, up to $119 now.

OK... now go melt some lead!!!