Unless you do a lot of SMD I don't feel a Metcal is a necessary investment, and running costs are higher.
On these irons the element is part of the tip, it's a self regulating element fed from an RF power source that utilises the Curie Point and skin effect to heat and control the power.
The tips are therefore more expensive, and you need a selection for different temp's.
It's big advantage is no calibration (temp controlled by physical properties of the tip - it either works correctly, or not at all), better throughput at lower temp's and very fast load response.
Ideal for good process control, but not strictly necessary for DIY.
The SP200 is a good general iron, the MX systems are great for rework, but more expensive.
Andy.
What about a diy iron?
This might be a dumb idea, but what about doing it yourself?
Can't be that hard, can it?
I don't know a whole lot about soldering iron construction, but i've experimented a bit with kanthal wire, trying to make a small aluminium melting furnace.
I realise it would probably not be a cheap or easy project, and you'd probably be better off just buying one, but it wouldn't be impossible would it?
Maybe you could convert an el cheapo iron into a top class regulated one?
Just a thought...
/Andreas
This might be a dumb idea, but what about doing it yourself?
Can't be that hard, can it?
I don't know a whole lot about soldering iron construction, but i've experimented a bit with kanthal wire, trying to make a small aluminium melting furnace.
I realise it would probably not be a cheap or easy project, and you'd probably be better off just buying one, but it wouldn't be impossible would it?
Maybe you could convert an el cheapo iron into a top class regulated one?
Just a thought...
/Andreas
I use a Metcal (http://www.metcal.com); nothing else compares. It's so much better than my Weller temp controlled station that I gave it to my friend. The weller temp controlled station was a lot better than cheap iron, and the metcal is an equal sized step beyong the weller or other traditional temperature controlled irons.
Expensive and worth every penny.
Sheldon
Expensive and worth every penny.
Sheldon
Right, after looking about a bit more (and from the comments here) I have decided that for my own use the metcal irons would be just too expensive. However, I ahve done a bit more looking arround, and I have settled on either an adjustable temperature weller iron (WS51, which I can get new for about £125) or a digital, adjustable one, the Magnum 2004 (with I can get new for about £90).
The only thing here is that I have used the weller irons before and I know they are good, but what I would realy like is if anyone can comment on the magnumm Iron, as I don't have anyone to ask questions on this one other than the guy who brings them into the UK.
So, unless I find anything on e-bay that might be suitable or there are any new sujections for me here I will probably end up with one of the above and just not tell my girlfriend how much I spent on it.
edit:
I just checked back, and I can actualy get the WS81 (80W) for £145, would it be worth the extra £20 over the 50W version??
The only thing here is that I have used the weller irons before and I know they are good, but what I would realy like is if anyone can comment on the magnumm Iron, as I don't have anyone to ask questions on this one other than the guy who brings them into the UK.
So, unless I find anything on e-bay that might be suitable or there are any new sujections for me here I will probably end up with one of the above and just not tell my girlfriend how much I spent on it.
edit:
I just checked back, and I can actualy get the WS81 (80W) for £145, would it be worth the extra £20 over the 50W version??
a Weller at work. a cheap radio shack 30w for home. my boss
put out the extra because he was sick of buying new ones ever three weeks😉
put out the extra because he was sick of buying new ones ever three weeks😉
I bought a used Hakko 929 station for $50.00 from an offer on this very board. I never soldered anything other than audio connectors in my life so I can't say much with authority, but my very first complete circuit board assembly job using it went with no problems . I soldered about 70 components incl. 7 opams in each of two crossover boards. It took me two evenings. I would recommend a Hakko to anybody. It looks just like this one in the picture.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
I use ERSA MS250, little temp controlled station with 25W and 6W irons. the 6W is great for SMD work and soldering IC pins. I use the 25W iron 95% of the time at 400 deg C.
The ERSA tips are long life and not too expensive. I am maybe through the fifth now with this station (appx 5 years of good use).
I liked all ERSA tools better than the Wellers, have used different products of both makes at work. The good Wellers aren't bad though.
I also have a 75W Weller iron at home for heavy work. The tip of this one really sucks, but it gets the job done (lots of heat).
For big cables (welding cables and stuff like that) i rather use a propane torch to solder cable shoes on etc.
the soldering "guns" are a complete waste of time and money. ditto for the 10$ stuff. it's just junk. you need good tools for good work.
k
The ERSA tips are long life and not too expensive. I am maybe through the fifth now with this station (appx 5 years of good use).
I liked all ERSA tools better than the Wellers, have used different products of both makes at work. The good Wellers aren't bad though.
I also have a 75W Weller iron at home for heavy work. The tip of this one really sucks, but it gets the job done (lots of heat).
For big cables (welding cables and stuff like that) i rather use a propane torch to solder cable shoes on etc.
the soldering "guns" are a complete waste of time and money. ditto for the 10$ stuff. it's just junk. you need good tools for good work.
k
My Weller is 16 y.o. now too. They are a bit expensive but if you use the older type with magnetic tip temp regulation. you really only need to buy the iron itself, not the base too. It's only a 24vac 2 amp tranny.HBarske said:
------------------------------------------------------------------Circlotron said:
Never really liked the weller ECM2000 series. Bits didn't last that long either. I now use an Antex on stem temp controlled iron. Bits last and last!
I have just bought a China made temp controlled iron with base from Maplin in UK for £9.99. Well made, temp seems accurate, tips are the long life type. Another £5 buys you a selection of three tips. A bargain that works.
I got this link from someone on this board i think.
www.eaesales.com
It seems like they have killer prices on electronic assembly/repair equipment. I haven't bought from them yet but I will as soon as I can scrape together the money.
www.eaesales.com
It seems like they have killer prices on electronic assembly/repair equipment. I haven't bought from them yet but I will as soon as I can scrape together the money.
A some people seem to be pumping the metcals, but I don't think the price is really justified for most DIYers.
I've used a metcal in the lab, and have to say that there is only one place where I really prefer them. The metcal is great for soldering large devices, or anything onto large plates. Basically, the RF heating method it uses provides much more localized heat.
For SMD components, the weller works just as well, IMHO. I'd stick with one of these if you want a quality iron for home use.
I've used a metcal in the lab, and have to say that there is only one place where I really prefer them. The metcal is great for soldering large devices, or anything onto large plates. Basically, the RF heating method it uses provides much more localized heat.
For SMD components, the weller works just as well, IMHO. I'd stick with one of these if you want a quality iron for home use.
A katana?? I remember the days I play No One Lives Forever...
http://www.nolf.info/3weapon.htm
lolx...the website for more info...the girl character is cute though...
http://www.nolf.info/3weapon.htm
lolx...the website for more info...the girl character is cute though...
I got one of the Hakko 929 s here also. Best $60 I've ever spent. I also have an Ungar pencil with 3 heating elements and half a dozen tips. The big daddy 65 watt with built in 1/2" chissle is still used for large power wires.
But after using the Hakko for pc board work, I don't think I'll ever use either of my smaller Ungar heaters and tips.
But after using the Hakko for pc board work, I don't think I'll ever use either of my smaller Ungar heaters and tips.
Hey~! Maybe you guys can sell the tread starter (who wants a soldering iron...)those that are currently good...useful but unused...that way, he gets a good deal...and helps you be assured that the iron will not be left in the junk store...
It all depends on whether he wants to do SMD...or not right?? wads his current needs?? and future needs as well??
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