Used Solder stations on Ebay... Whats the best?

[tedweber]

Hey KB, Fellas,
hey Ted, how'd that channel switching come out on the SLO type amp kit your selling? Does it switch quietly? I think its called the Heather amp?
Slobrain

The three we built are quiet. Some have had problems, though, so I think it layout critical like all high gain stuff. Meantime, I'm working on a board the same size that is optical as an alternative to that for those who want it and also for general switching use.


Ted

[Euthymia]

Looks like the issue has been resolved, but I figured for the benefit of people scanning this thread, I'd mention one of my favorite temp-controlled soldering stations, the Xytronic 379.

$40 from Circuit Specialists: http://www.web-tronics.com/aueltecosost.html

This was my every day iron on the amp bench for a couple of years until I abused it and broke the handpiece. Which leads me to mention the only drawback: while tips are available from a number of sources, I'm still trying to find repair parts for it.

[Jelle]

+1 on the wires inside the Weller...mine broke down about a year ago but luckily I was able to fix it. It is working very weller now!
I just hope it won't break down again soon.....

I just moved to NY from the Netherlands where the line voltage is 230v. I'd be interested in the remaining parts of the Weller if it works at 110V.

Jelle
jwelagen (at) hotmail.com

[jrfrond]

We have all Weller WES51's. To me, they are STILL the longest-lasting and most versatile, plus have adjustable temperature. In addition, there are knockoff tips available from Plato through Techni-Tool. For big chassis connections, I use a Weller 240W gun.

The parts for Weller stations are still available, so there is no reason to dump your station.

I do NOT use Weller for desoldering though. We use Pace equipment for that.

[rf7]

Has anyone ever tried the Metcal soldering stations? They're not cheap, but they are supposed to be pretty good.

[Rick Erickson]

Either the Hakko or the Dial-a-Temp Weller stations are good. My complaint with the WTCP series, and I own many of them, is that the tip is magnetically controlled. I can't count the number of times I have been soldering a speaker and had the iron slam into the magnet, which tends to immediately destroy the irons ability to control it's temp. The result of this is either an iron that no longer heats at all, or one that burns its tip up in minutes... I've been using a Hakko 926 E.S.D. station for several years now and the only problem I've had with it is the wires that connect to the ceramic heater unit coming loose. Once this happens there is little chance of getting them to connect reliably again. Replacement parts are available though.

RE

[dai h.]

Has anyone ever tried the Metcal soldering stations? They're not cheap, but they are supposed to be pretty good.

are you talking about the ones that use some new technology (name escapes me at the moment) which allows more heat capacity from a smaller iron? I remember reading a little blurb and it was supposed to be good but downside being high cost.

[rf7]

are you talking about the ones that use some new technology (name escapes me at the moment) which allows more heat capacity from a smaller iron? I remember reading a little blurb and it was supposed to be good but downside being high cost.

Yeah, they heat up in about 5 seconds and turn off if they sit unused for a few minutes.

[Alex R]

I like my s/h hakko too. Tips last for ever. I used to have a weller magnastat, they eat tips.