Man I wish I could give free samples of the circuit specialists CSI-2900 For anything sub $200 brand new, Just simply not a better iron. I cannot say it enough. If you guys are in the market, really do give it a shot, I think you will really be amazed. I solder so much and on a daily basis that it is crazy. I consider it my right arm. Heck even if your looking for a second iron or backup, buy it, you would be suprised as it might replace your main unit!
For industrial applications, I would only recommend JBC. The company I work for used to have a lot of Weller equipment, but after trying JBC, that changed rather quickly. It's not really a DIY tool, though. Where Weller compares to a Mercedes in price and quality, JBC compares to a Rolls.
At home I use a simple yet effective Solomon SL-20. This is a DIY tool with a DIY price. You may also find it sold under other brands (e.g. Altai), but they're the same.
Does it really matter what you buy? As long as the quality of the soldering station and tips is OK, not really. Forget about the soldering stations for a moment because IMHO the most determining factor is the operator and his or her experience. I work in the electronics industry and in our company we all use the same equipment. As I test and repair, if necessary, products coming off the assembly line, I get to see the (re)work done by others. Despite the fact that we all use the same equipment, quality of (hand)solder joints vary a lot.
At home I use a simple yet effective Solomon SL-20. This is a DIY tool with a DIY price. You may also find it sold under other brands (e.g. Altai), but they're the same.
Does it really matter what you buy? As long as the quality of the soldering station and tips is OK, not really. Forget about the soldering stations for a moment because IMHO the most determining factor is the operator and his or her experience. I work in the electronics industry and in our company we all use the same equipment. As I test and repair, if necessary, products coming off the assembly line, I get to see the (re)work done by others. Despite the fact that we all use the same equipment, quality of (hand)solder joints vary a lot.
Hi, I have one qouestion, I would like to buy this soldering station, and I have simple 220/110V 100VA EI transfomer, is that ok to use in Europe?
WELLER SOLDER STATION WES51 50 WATT ADJUSTABLE HEAT NEW - eBay (item 380201434960 end time Mar-28-10 08:20:58 PDT)
thanks
WELLER SOLDER STATION WES51 50 WATT ADJUSTABLE HEAT NEW - eBay (item 380201434960 end time Mar-28-10 08:20:58 PDT)
thanks
They are very good soldering irons. I got mine second hand from ebay for about £50.
Replacement tips are reasonably expensive, but should last you a very long time if treated properly.
The Hakko 936 is the best, then Weller industrial stations. This was after a large Telecom manufacturer tested many brands. My only complain is you can't get small tips to do SMT work, something you may want to consider.
Really low cost soldering equipment here ($200 for a reworkstation!):
Circuit Specialists Inc. - 0
Really low cost soldering equipment here ($200 for a reworkstation!):
Circuit Specialists Inc. - 0
I've bought 9 or 10 Metcals on eBay, the latest one on Tuesday for a friend at work who for unknown reasons doesn't use eBay. The cheapest power unit I got was $10 and broken. It needed an IRF130 device and it's fine. I personally own 2 Metcals and 2 Weller magnastats and if you are patient, new Metcal tips can be had for around $10 including shipping. If you're not in a hurry you should be able to score a complete Metcal system for $100 to $150. The only bad thing is the 'wand' is so much like a pencil, you might pick it up like one. That HURTS but you won't do it again. After using a Metcal, a Weller is a tusk. I've never use a Hakko
G²
Cancelled my order. Now looking to purchase the Xytronic LF 1000 (Japanese). Digital readout, heavier duty and uses Hakki tips.
Xytronics LF 1000
The Xytronics LF 1000 goes for $129 on up at several places - considerably less than its digital Hakko counterpart but more heavy duty. In fact, it looks sorta like the 937 on steroids! The only reason that it's selling so cheap is that it is a discontinued model that has already been replaced by the LF 2000. This particular model is selling for $139 at Howard Electronics. They also carry the Goot brand, another high-end Japanese company...too pricey for me.
The Xytronics LF 1000 goes for $129 on up at several places - considerably less than its digital Hakko counterpart but more heavy duty. In fact, it looks sorta like the 937 on steroids! The only reason that it's selling so cheap is that it is a discontinued model that has already been replaced by the LF 2000. This particular model is selling for $139 at Howard Electronics. They also carry the Goot brand, another high-end Japanese company...too pricey for me.
Wellers make good plumbing irons- Hakko make good electronics irons. If you are in any doubt, see what is used in practically every manufacturer's service centre, production line and QC section. My 926 has been through 3 tips and three silicone leads (my cat chewed the soft silcone lead). The 936 is essentially the same (smaller iron)
Nothing better in my opinion.
Nothing better in my opinion.
I have to say that I've had so many quality problems with Weller, I'll never buy another - ever. Plus they are over-priced. I had over 10 various Weller stations, WTCPN being the bulk of them. The tips don't last very long either. Then there is the CLICK - CLICK as the switch cycles. You can even feel it in the iron. The failure points are
I bought an unknown brand about 16 ~ 20 years ago. All kinds of tips are available for about $5 each, varies by vendor. My station recently was acting up, and I actually found the manufacturer who gladly sent me a schematic. This resulted in like new performance (bad caps).
The brand? Solomon. Model? SL-30
It's still a current model and can be had for less than $100 in the Toronto area. The tips range from a 3mm screwdriver and right down to stuff I probably will not use. You can even buy a separate iron / cable assy for it (in case you cat gets hungry).
The really nice things about this station are the digital display and the electronic temperature control. The iron maintains it's set temperature very nicely. You can read the actual tip temperature and also the set point. I calibrated the temperature display early on in it's life. Some segments went out in the display, but being a normal part I was able to replace that.
I'd highly recommend these. They do make a model with a string of LEDs across the panel in a line to indicate approximate temperature. It should work fine as well.
-Chris
- the connector to the base
- the switch
- the heater
- constant tip replacement
I bought an unknown brand about 16 ~ 20 years ago. All kinds of tips are available for about $5 each, varies by vendor. My station recently was acting up, and I actually found the manufacturer who gladly sent me a schematic. This resulted in like new performance (bad caps).
The brand? Solomon. Model? SL-30
It's still a current model and can be had for less than $100 in the Toronto area. The tips range from a 3mm screwdriver and right down to stuff I probably will not use. You can even buy a separate iron / cable assy for it (in case you cat gets hungry).
The really nice things about this station are the digital display and the electronic temperature control. The iron maintains it's set temperature very nicely. You can read the actual tip temperature and also the set point. I calibrated the temperature display early on in it's life. Some segments went out in the display, but being a normal part I was able to replace that.
I'd highly recommend these. They do make a model with a string of LEDs across the panel in a line to indicate approximate temperature. It should work fine as well.
-Chris
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