The one I bought is still around also spares
https://uk.farnell.com/duratool/zd-...ion-48w-240vac/dp/2542886#anchorTechnicalDOCS
Spec other than wattage is not dissimilar to a £200 weller and really me comparing it with that isn't fair. Compared with what I used at work it is slow.
https://uk.farnell.com/duratool/zd-...ion-48w-240vac/dp/2542886#anchorTechnicalDOCS
Spec other than wattage is not dissimilar to a £200 weller and really me comparing it with that isn't fair. Compared with what I used at work it is slow.
I bought a kit that uses Hakko T12 style tips. About $20, no case or power supply included, but one tip. LED controller module, which provides temp control, standby and sleep modes (to save power and extend tip life). Handpiece has a silicone cable, and has a good feel. It'll run fine from 12V for portable use (and car wiring), but I mainly use a 19V Dell laptop supply. The place I got mine from no longer lists them, but this looks almost identical:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32803671016.html
It comes with a "K" knife-shaped tip by default, but the BC2 is a better all-purpose tip. I'd suggest buying an assortment of tips, though, or at least one extra so as to have a spare.
https://quicko.aliexpress.com/store/group/Tips-Sets/2954088_510954169.html
Quicko appears to be the same company as Ksger and Suhan.
Alternatively, there are ready-to-use T12 irons that have the smart controller in the handpiece, just plug in and go. I got an earlier LED version with a horrible UI for changing settings, and a thumbwheel for temp adjustment that's too easy to change, but it was very cheap at the time. Obviously better for portable use since it eliminates the controller box and one cable. It fits nicely in a Plano 3500 tackle case with tip installed, and room for extra tips and a 5.5/2.1-5.5/2.5 adapter.
I haven't used this one, but the OLED display and UI should be much better:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003373147424.html
The reason I went with T12: the tips incorporate heater and temperature sensor, which makes them more expensive, but also more consistent. And I figured that if the clone tips were junk I could buy a real Hakko tip and have all the essential magic.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32803671016.html
It comes with a "K" knife-shaped tip by default, but the BC2 is a better all-purpose tip. I'd suggest buying an assortment of tips, though, or at least one extra so as to have a spare.
https://quicko.aliexpress.com/store/group/Tips-Sets/2954088_510954169.html
Quicko appears to be the same company as Ksger and Suhan.
Alternatively, there are ready-to-use T12 irons that have the smart controller in the handpiece, just plug in and go. I got an earlier LED version with a horrible UI for changing settings, and a thumbwheel for temp adjustment that's too easy to change, but it was very cheap at the time. Obviously better for portable use since it eliminates the controller box and one cable. It fits nicely in a Plano 3500 tackle case with tip installed, and room for extra tips and a 5.5/2.1-5.5/2.5 adapter.
I haven't used this one, but the OLED display and UI should be much better:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003373147424.html
The reason I went with T12: the tips incorporate heater and temperature sensor, which makes them more expensive, but also more consistent. And I figured that if the clone tips were junk I could buy a real Hakko tip and have all the essential magic.
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