Decent Soldering Station?

JDUBS · « **on:** 10 Jun 2006, 07:41 pm »

Hey Everyone

I figure its about time I stepped up to a decent soldering station. I was liening towards a Weller but saw this one on e-bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Soldering-Iron-Station-Welding-RC-Hobby-Gift-Weller_W0QQitemZ6064018436QQcategoryZ1200QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Does anyone know anything about it? Should I just pony up the extra $$ for a Weller?

Thanks guys,
Jim

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Jun 2006, 07:45 pm »

Hi Jim,

I don't know anything about that station. I am of the opinion that if you are going to use it a lot, pony up for a weller b/c you know it will last forever and work like it should.

I was told by the pro audio parts guys to buy the electronically controlled unit, not the manually dialed unit. The EC unit fixes the temp based on the tips you use (they have diff temp ratings on the package). They say they tend to hold temp better and are quicker to get hot. I followed their advice and love my station. Much better than the plug in soldering irons, even weller's.

ctviggen · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jun 2006, 07:51 pm »

I also have a Weller. I think it's this one:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-145

I have a 40W pen-type also, which I tossed after getting the Weller. The Weller is impressive.

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jun 2006, 07:55 pm »

This is the one I have...its a few more dollars than the one Bob pointed at but it was the one referred to me.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-140

markC · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 12:11 am »

Quote from: ctviggen

I also have a Weller. I think it's this one:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-145

I have a 40W pen-type also, which I tossed after getting the Weller. The Weller is impressive.

I have the same station and I think that as a hobbyist/diy type application, it's all you'll ever need. I put my pencil type iron in a drawer somewhere

_scotty_ · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 01:45 am »

This is the soldering station I have been using for over a decade.

See links, http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&product%5Fid=21%2D7930
http://www.mcminone.com/searchadv.asp?as_partnumber=&as_pn_type=contains&as_description=solder+station&as_ds_type=matchall&as_manname=TENMA+&MODE=1&x=38&y=12
Scotty

JDUBS · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 02:47 am »

Thanks for the input guys! I think I'm going to go Weller. Now, just how important is fine temperature adjustability?

I noticed that the Weller WES51 allows for rather small changes in the temperature, while the WTCPT has three temperature settings (although, it looks a little heavier duty - may last longer).

Btw, both stations are reasonably priced on e-bay.

-Jim

markC · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 06:06 am »

I would'nt worry too much about the fine temp. adjustment. The only benefit I find with the temp. adjustment is that if you have just 2 tips -say fine conical and large wedge you can work on circuit boards and terminate speaker cables and anything inbetween without the need of any other tips.

bubba966 · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 06:21 am »

You might want to check out Hakko Soldering Stations

http://www.hakkousa.com/2006/elevator.asp?CID=49&SCID=0

I've heard it said many a time that as good as a Weller is, the Hakko's are better...

gary · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 02:26 pm »

I have a Hakko 936ESD, which I got on ebay for $80 from hmcelectronics. I love it, and IMO it's well worth the extra $15 over a generic one.

Gary

Bill Baker · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Jun 2006, 03:26 pm »

I have three of these units. It's the Xytronic 988D digital solder/desolder station. One of them I have had for a few years now and is on about 5-8 hours a day almost everyday. The reason I have three is to have one on each bench.
A great uit for someone that does a lot of soldering and desoldering. Makes jobs go much quicker. here is also a link below where I purchase mine.

http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/988d.html

warnerwh · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Jun 2006, 03:38 am »

The Hakko was rated as good as the Weller by I think Popular electronics a couple of years ago. I have one but have never done enough soldering to judge. For about 75 bucks shipped I'm sure it's fine for all but the most avid users.

Berndt · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Jun 2006, 03:46 am »

I got the wes51 for under 100$ delivered just a month ago.
I tried the digital one but the digital display was not worth another 60$.

CIAudio · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Jun 2006, 03:48 am »

I highly recommend Hakko products.
We have a big box full of broken Weller's, and six Hakko's that all work great. The one I use everyday (an old 926) has been my main iron for over 20 years, and is in use 8 hrs a day 5 days a week. You can get a newer 936 for under $100.

-Dusty-

Bill Baker · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Jun 2006, 03:50 am »

There are a lot of good soldering stations out there. It's simply a matter of choosing one with teh features that meet your needs or demands. Unless you are going to be doing a lot of soldering on a continuos basis, there is no need to spend a ton of money. Hakko, Weller, Xytronic..... they're all decent pieces. The only feature I could not do without is variable temperature control.

JDUBS · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 Jun 2006, 12:55 am »

Hey guys, thanks again for all the input!

I ended up ordering a Weller WESD51. It should be here in the next couple of days, and hopefully a DIY project will be following soon thereafter.

Thanks again!!