Yes! diy killed my soldering iron

[Toney]

....actually I wore it out building effects.
No available replacemant tips for it, so time for a new one. The bastards at Dick Smith still sell that model too, so I guess once the tips done, its into the bin!
Any southern hemisphere people tried this out ? Its on special, oh , and they sell tips for this one :roll:
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/43177e78035f00cc2740c0a87f9c06ac/Product/View/T1976
           
Also found a 40 watt iron in the toolbox.... do you think 40 watts is too much juice for building pedals?  Am about to do a couple I really wanna get right.

[ExpAnonColin]

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Xytronic-Electronic-Soldering-Station_W0QQitemZ7542996036QQcategoryZ1504QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[nelson]

I am on my second cheapie from a local newsagent, £1.99 i couldnt mail order a tip for that.

I am considering buying a temp controlled one when this one becomes unusable.

[niftydog]

No available replacemant tips for it, so time for a new one. The bastards at Dick Smith still sell that model too, so I guess once the tips done, its into the bin!

So, am I reading this right, you have a dick smith iron and they are telling you that there are no tips available for it?

I would make sure of that before you splurge on a new iron. The tips for my dick smith iron had to be ordered in from the distribution centre as they weren't stocked in store. I've also order stuff from dick smith stores in other states because none of the local stores had stock of what I wanted. Ask them to check other stores inventory (they CAN do this via their computer if they have half a brain) and also to check if they can be ordered.

In fact, the iron I speak of was that one you linked to, but for some stupid reason they only stock one size of the three tips, and it was huge... so I made them order the smaller sizes for me. It's fine as far as middle of the road irons go - especially given the temp setting dial. Just don't abuse it and it'll last a long time.

40W is not too much, provided you use the correct technique!

[pbrommer]

Hey! I have that Xytronic Iron.... It's a great soldering iron. And the guy who sells it is a great guy also. Threw in a few tips for about $7 more. For what it's worth, I've definately put the $40-somethingish dollars into that iron.

+1 for that iron

[petemoore]

What is it...copper rod?, coned end, threaded end, coated.
 Shaping the object wouldn't be that hard.
 Finding the right materials and the coating part just a bit tougher [someone typed about re-caoting a worn tip here not too long ago].

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

The current (Sep) Silicon Chip has the new Dick Smith catalog in it, so you can see whetehr or not they really don't have tips for that iron. The average DS staff would not know what a solderign iron was anyway!! (try to find a Jaycar store instead).
And Nelson, what kind of newsagent has soldering irons? Do they have bicycle tyre repair kits and goanna salve as well?

[Toney]

Ok, took care of it for now. Got a basic 25 watter and one of those "helping hands" board-holding stands on spesh for $ 12.95.
It'll get me through.

Gonna wait till one of  temperature controlled soldering stations goes on discount (in Australia) Seems DSE put their stuff on sorta discount rotation...

Going building 'nanas at the moment. Have all the parts laid out for my next six pedals.
I lay all the components out taped down with their tested values noted beside them on a sheet of paper then once the board is ready just reel em off. Its my new system... works for me.

[KE4NYV]

I have been soldering since I was about 10 years old.  I do hours of soldering daily now professionally.  I went through countless irons from RatShack, Antex, cheap Weller knock-offs and what not.  

I finally broke down last year with the start of my side business and bought a semi-pro Weller station with digital temp control.  The model is a WESD51.  I found it on eBay brand new and it has been GREAT.  I think I paid about $110 for it.  Once you have temp control and a great iron to start with, you'll never want to go back to anything else.  

I guess my main argument is, how many cheap irons are you willing to waste money on before buying somthing good that you could have put that money into, in the first place?  

Anyways, just a my $0.10 on the subject.