which soldering station?

[David B]

I'm ready to upgrade to a real soldering station and have been checking out the ebay prices for the Weller WTCPT and WES50 and WES51. I've also noticed some other units that appear to be temperature controlled, and less expensive than the wellers.
Does anyone have any experience with these?

Xytronics 379 $49.95
http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/379.html

and

this web-tronics house brand model: $39.95
http://www.web-tronics.com/webtronics/autsolirstat.html

This would be for hobbyist use, not day-in day-out work.

Thanks!

 

[Magura]

Weller WECP-20 is from back when weller made their best stations, and those are cheap now. AFIK this brings you the best value.

Mine is like 15 years old by now, never caused no trouble and the tips are reasonably priced.

Magura

 

[studiotech]

I would check out this one. They offer many style tips for a fair price. Had mine for nearly 2 years now with no problems. It is a nice Hakko clone.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

Greg

 

[gmarsh]

I would check out this one. They offer many style tips for a fair price. Had mine for nearly 2 years now with no problems. It is a nice Hakko clone.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

Greg

That's a clone of the Hakko 936 ESD, which I own and love.

I've heard nothing but good things about it.

 

[stevesebastianb]

Weller can't be beat

Hi All,

No, Weller can't be beat for quality and durability. The one I have has given 16 years of trouble free service and it is extremely reliable.

I've tried the Hakko's but the end result is I still like the Weller better with their range or different replaceable tips.

Regards,

Steve

 

[tenderland]

IRON

Where I work we have Weller , Tenma , Hako
I like the Hako 936 myself , so much so I bought one for home .






Jeff

 

[jan.didden]

Re: Weller can't be beat

Hi All,

No, Weller can't be beat for quality and durability. The one I have has given 16 years of trouble free service and it is extremely reliable.
[snip]

Agree. I can beat that by 10 years, still extremely happy with my Weller Temptronic.

Jan Didden

 

[peranders]

Re: Weller can't be beat

Hi All,

No, Weller can't be beat for quality and durability. The one I have has given 16 years of trouble free service and it is extremely reliable.

I've tried the Hakko's but the end result is I still like the Weller better with their range or different replaceable tips.

I have also used Weller for decades and the good thing is reliability and supply of spare parts.

 

[jan.didden]

Re: Re: Weller can't be beat

I have also used Weller for decades and the good thing is reliability and supply of spare parts.

?? ... mine is so reliable, I have no need for spare parts...

Jan Didden

 

[jh6you]

With Multicore lead-free solder 96S, I use Hakko 936 here, and Weller Temtronic WS80 at home. Hakko 936 has a better iron stand. But, for all others, I much prefer Weller WS80. I often do p2p wiring for hobby, hmmm...not skilful. Hmmm... doing with Weller always secures me with better quality soldering.

Hope this info will help.

Regards

 

[officeboy]

I have this station http://www.web-tronics.com/webtronics/autsolirstat.html

It's a solomon, so that should help you find parts and tips etc.
It was quite cheap, but it work very well. The temperature adjustment is reasonably close, and it's a million times better then a pencil type iron.

 

[David B]

Thanks, everyone

Thanks, all, for the suggestions. The Hakko 936 clone looks like the one for me.

- David