I just can't seem to find that model (WCTP) over here!
No, I'm not gonna do SMD work....I think. But it would involve soldering Arduino boards but that's still now SMD.
The reason why I'm linking amazon is that I already got some gift card balance and my work discounts. For me, it's better to use the discounts or it can expire.
Could be that it's TCP in Europe and WTCP in North America.
I'd shy away from the cheapies on Amazon. If you insist on shopping at Bezos' Bookstore, buy a Weller or METCAL/OKI there. The METCAL SP-200 could be the ticket.
Tom
I'd shy away from the cheapies on Amazon. If you insist on shopping at Bezos' Bookstore, buy a Weller or METCAL/OKI there. The METCAL SP-200 could be the ticket.
Tom
I've got a Weller WE1010. It works well for me.
Back when I used a soldering iron every day, the company had Weller irons. When I reached the point that I needed a better iron for my hobby stuff to replace the cheap one I had been using, I was very pleased to find that Weller had a low(ish) priced iron.
-------------
You'll hear a lot of wailing about the WE1010 not having a primary side fuse - ignore it. The WE1010 has a safety rated transformer that is inherently safe. It cannot catch on fire. There's a fuse on the secondary side to keep the electronics from starting a fire.
Other manufacturers use a fuse to prevent a fire if the transformer goes bad. Weller builds the transformer so it can't catch on fire - and has the safety ratings tested and marked to prove it.
Last edited:
It's really costly, even in the used market.
That's good to hear!
I have read about this ksger 3.1version T12 with its 'active' tips being so good to solder when it comes to irons like Weller's with some slight delay in regaining temperatures. They say it's really 'addictive' to solder using active tips!
Is it true?
Using this one for two years now: Bakon BK950D Solder Iron Station. Very pleased with device and it's quality. And there are plenty of choice T12 tips for $3-5.
Attachments
Yes. All of them. To stay safe you can order tips from Bakon Official Store.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...=a2g0o.store_pc_home.hotSpots_6001943890045.0
As it happens - I have a very good used, fully working, Weller WTCP 50 power supply with UK mains cable, with a matching Weller TCP-S iron (incl. ca. 2m long silicone cable) for sale.
If it's of any interest feel free to pm me for full details / pics. etc. I'm in (very) E. Midlands, S. Lincs.
If it's of any interest feel free to pm me for full details / pics. etc. I'm in (very) E. Midlands, S. Lincs.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283333622140have been using this one for years, also very cheap spare parts and various tips available everywhere...
lol 😀
BTW, you guys think the Weller TCP 50 is 'better' than this budget W1010 by Weller?
But yeah, older stuff is usually built really well compared to the modern ones with severe cost cutting.
The (W)TCP 50 is a magnastat iron. The temperature is set by the type of tip you install. To change temperature, you change the tip.
They are good, solid soldering irons but a little bit inflexible.
Also, they are not anti-static.
-------
TCP50 irons were used a lot in factories. The workers weren't supposed to change the temperature on the irons. The temperature for each task was determined by an engineer. The iron at the station doing that task got a tip for the required temperature.
That keeps the workers from cranking up the heat to get done faster, but toasting the boards by working too hot.
Great for factory use, kind of a pain for hobby use where you need different temperatures depending on what you are doing.
