Pace ST45 tips

[Mick Bailey]

I'm looking at a Pace ST45 SODR*TEK Sensatemp - the later aluminium case model (white face). Tips seem to be really expensive over here and limited. Are there any other tips that fit the iron?

Edit: I just saw the cost of a heater element and for an older station that needs tips and maybe in the near future an element it adds up to too much compared to buying a brand-new Pace with a guarantee.

[nevetslab]

Pace PS-70 & PS-90 Slodering Iron Tips

I'm looking at a Pace ST45 SODR*TEK Sensatemp - the later aluminium case model (white face). Tips seem to be really expensive over here and limited. Are there any other tips that fit the iron?

Edit: I just saw the cost of a heater element and for an older station that needs tips and maybe in the near future an element it adds up to too much compared to buying a brand-new Pace with a guarantee.

I have one of the Pace ST45 base units tucked away....it uses the same PS70 or PS90 irons that my MBT stations use, which support both Solder and DeSolder irons.

Pace 3/6" dia tips have always been expensive, which is why I continue searching ebay for deals on tips. The last great deal I came upon was a NON-Pace tip....a 3/16" wide chiesl, nicely plated, P/N V375. It looks much like the Pace 1121-0358-P5 3/16" Chisel tip. I've no idea who the mfgr is, but it works really well in the Pace PS70 irons I have. I think I bought this package of 25 tips for under $10 on ebay!! I'm normally very partial to the Pace 1121-0518-P5 Thermo-Drive 1/8" chiesl tip and it's small 1/16" chiesl tip 1121-0510-P5 Thermo-Drive cousin, along with 1121-0337-P5 1/8" chiesl and it's smaller 1/16" chiesl 1121-0414-P5 tip. I've attached both a Pace Consumables Catalog along with a Plato Catalog, who also makes tips for Pace.

ConsumablesBro_Update_v11 final Hi Res.pdf
2008 Plato Catalog.pdf

I also have the Sodrtek ST45 manual as well as the PS70/PS90 Service manuals attached.

SODRTEK ST 45 Manual.pdf
PS70-90_Service.pdf
PS-70-90_Heater.pdf

If you PM me, I could send you several of these 3/16" Chisel tips. They last a good while if well maintained. I think I'm on my third tip now having bought that package a good year and a half ago.

[Mick Bailey]

Thank you for the information and the offer of the tips. I did a search for the Plato tips and the company who's solder I buy (MBO) stocks them so I'd be able to get that brand in the UK. When I did a general search for 3/16" tips I also found some that are very similar to the Pace ones with a similar length and bevel on the insertion end. Looking back I see that some of the stations have sold with a selection of new bits and other accessories for not much more than the bare station+iron I'd been looking at, so it may be worthwhile holding out to get a more generous setup.

Pace appears to be under-represented in the UK and the emphasis is on Weller, with a lot more supplier choice. I like the look of the Pace stations, though.

[Enzo]

I have bought Plato tips for various irons over the years. They have worked well for me.