I'm in the market for a new soldering iron. Something for doing simple crossover work and possibly some diy amp building and repair work in the near future.
The iron I have was a hand-me-down Weller WTCPN, I believe it's an early 80's unit that's seen better days. I'm looking for something a little more ergonomical.
I've set my budget around $150 USD or so. Models I've considered are the Hakko FX888D, Weller WE1010, KSGER T12, and the TS100, TS80P type irons. I'm also open to other suggestions as well.
The iron I have was a hand-me-down Weller WTCPN, I believe it's an early 80's unit that's seen better days. I'm looking for something a little more ergonomical.
I've set my budget around $150 USD or so. Models I've considered are the Hakko FX888D, Weller WE1010, KSGER T12, and the TS100, TS80P type irons. I'm also open to other suggestions as well.
The Weller WTCPN that you already have is really good, just replace the tip if it has any defects,
or is not the right shape (best for general work is 700F or 800F, small chisel).
Use only 63/37 eutectic solder.
or is not the right shape (best for general work is 700F or 800F, small chisel).
Use only 63/37 eutectic solder.
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My WTCPN sometimes works intermittently, even with a new tip. I haven't opened it up yet but from what I've read there's just a transformer and switch inside. I'm guessing the switch is on its way out.The Weller WTCPN that you already have is really good, just replace the tip if it has any defects,
or is not the right shape (best for general work is 700F or 800F, small chisel).
Use only 63/37 eutectic solder.
Thought I would add I've got a big ol' Weller gun that I use for non precision heavy stuff.
I know this may be frowned upon but if you're not doing a lot of this kind of stuff every single day and it's just as a hobby? I got a whole soldering station with the hot air and everything with selectable digital temperature gauge for about $50 from eBay.
comes with tip soldering iron and everything else that you need to basically get out of the box and start working.
mine's a little more of an advanced model but quite honestly something like this would work just fine And $40 bucks. Keep it as a spare. the irons are basically cheap and they're kind of throw away and they're not really up to the same quality as something as American or Japanese or even australian-made but again if you're just a hobbyist this is kind of a nice little kit
as far as I know these kids will work with genuine hakko irons and some other brands but again I'm not that serious in the solder work. but it's worked wonders for me.
I mainly just play around with LEDs solar lights and the occasional speaker soldering job.
comes with tip soldering iron and everything else that you need to basically get out of the box and start working.
mine's a little more of an advanced model but quite honestly something like this would work just fine And $40 bucks. Keep it as a spare. the irons are basically cheap and they're kind of throw away and they're not really up to the same quality as something as American or Japanese or even australian-made but again if you're just a hobbyist this is kind of a nice little kit

as far as I know these kids will work with genuine hakko irons and some other brands but again I'm not that serious in the solder work. but it's worked wonders for me.
I mainly just play around with LEDs solar lights and the occasional speaker soldering job.
I have a fixpoint ep5 for 15 years or so. It’s only 48 watt, but for RIAA, amplifiers, binding posts, cross overs etc it’s perfect and cheap. It’s approx 70-80$ in my country.
I recently bought a KSGER T12 and 6 tips from Bangood for the equivalent of $75.
Impressed so far; very configurable, gets to temp very quick, goes to sleep and wakes up once you pick up the wand.
Recommended:
Ksger t12 stm32 v3.1s welding soldering iron station oled diy plastic handle electric tools quick heating t12 iron tips 8s tins 907 9501 handle with 3pcs t12 tips Sale - Banggood.com
Impressed so far; very configurable, gets to temp very quick, goes to sleep and wakes up once you pick up the wand.
Recommended:
Ksger t12 stm32 v3.1s welding soldering iron station oled diy plastic handle electric tools quick heating t12 iron tips 8s tins 907 9501 handle with 3pcs t12 tips Sale - Banggood.com
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