Recommend me a soldering station...

[zachomega]

Perhaps something like the Weller WES51 without the 90$ price tag?  I've waited too long to get a good iron.  If the Weller turns out to be the best iron, then by all means, I'll go for it...but if I can get something of equal or better quality for less money, I'd like to know.

Thanks,
-Zach

[Dragonfly]

Weller WES51



Seriously...i LOVE mine...nonstop use for a few years now...worth every penny !

I'm not sure if there is anything cheaper that is in the same "class"....maybe someone who has had the Weller and another iron will chime in.

[96ecss]

+1 on the WES51. I love mine too.

Dave

[theundeadelvis]

I've had a Xytronic 137ESD for a few years and love it. I'm just now about to replace the original tip. It's about $85, but you can get the 136 (no digital display) for $65.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7760
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/3528

[Dragonfly]

I've waited too long to get a good iron. 

Thanks,
-Zach

BTW Zach..

I can tell you from experience...once you get a GOOD iron, you'll NEVER want to go back..and you'll wonder what you could have done with all the time you wasted trying to use crappy irons.

[theundeadelvis]

BTW Zach..

I can tell you from experience...once you get a GOOD iron, you'll NEVER want to go back..and you'll wonder what you could have done with all the time you wasted trying to use crappy irons.

Second that!

[zachomega]

That is exactly the problem.  I use a good iron at work and now I don't want to touch mine. 

I used the WES51 which I like a lot.  I also used some newer iron with all digital readout and buttons to set the temperature and what not.  I don't recall which model it is, but it is blue like the WES51.  And then I have used yet a third model which is another Weller iron...All black with a digital readout and a knob.  It gets very hot very fast.  Maybe an ECP model?  I don't recall, but I gather it was out of my modest price range. 

My only fear in not getting a Weller is that I don't want to get an iron only to find out the tips arent' available.

-Zach

[soulsonic]

I have a CSI Station 2A from http://www.circuitspecialists.com
It's a great unit at a great price. It has a solid power supply with precision temperature control and the iron itself is very comfortable and great quality.

[John Blund]

Any opinions on one of these gas driven soldering irons, http://www.elfa.se/elfa-bin/dyndok.pl?lang=se&vat=0&dok=10559.htm
seems pretty nice except for the fact that they run out of gas occasionally

[dpresley58]

I have a CSI Station 2A from http://www.circuitspecialists.com
It's a great unit at a great price. It has a solid power supply with precision temperature control and the iron itself is very comfortable and great quality.

I picked up one of those, too... Nice stuff, and has been working out well.

[mydementia]

I've had a Xytronic 137ESD for a few years and love it. I'm just now about to replace the original tip. It's about $85, but you can get the 136 (no digital display) for $65.
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7760

I bought the 136 linked above about 1.5 years ago.  I was gun-shy, so I ordered an extra tip...  I've probalby built 30 effects circuits and 6 amps and the original tip is still pointy and the unit works as well as the day I first plugged it in.  For the money, I don't think you'll do better.  Heats up FAST!!

I can't agree with these guys more regarding a 'good' soldering station... I was burning through Rat-Shack iron tips every couple months... now it's not an issue!!

Mike

[ke4unr]

I'll add another vote for the Xytronic variable temperature controlled solder stations. I've had the model with the digital readout for over 2 years now. I just recently changed the original tip out, but not because it was bad. I like being able to use one pencil/iron for multiple uses by controlling the temperature and also changing tips if necessary.

I also use their model 460 Tip Cleaner and really like it. I had always used wet sponges over the years, but decided to try it. It cleans the tip very well and does not change the temperature. I'm about due to replace the cleaner (brass pad), but I've gotten a lot of use out of it. I personally don't care to go back to using a wet sponge.

Ray K.

[DougH]

I've got one of those xytronics stations too and it is great. I've used it for at least 4-5 yrs now and still haven't changed the tip. Thanks for the 'tip' on the cleaner. I'm going to give that a try.

[Sock Puppet]

Not a recommendation as such except for Weller.

20 years use from a Weller TCP-1 with a PU-2D...

Bought some new sponges a few months ago from ebay and reckon the iron will easily outlast me.

So what's those new fangled tip cleaners then?

S.

- Also use gas portasol technic when I need heat but the tips are expensive (£9), pit easily and wear out fast. Damned handy though.

[ke4unr]

"new fangled tip cleaners"

Lookie here: http://www.web-tronics.com/tipclwist4.html

Ray K.

[Sock Puppet]

Cheers,

I found them on ebay.co.uk along with another type by multicore:

A block of electronics-grade solder powder and chemicals compacted into the shape of a thick disc. It is packaged in a metal container, complete with lid and self adhesive pad on the underside so that it can be fixed to any convenient surface. A single wipe of the iron across the TTC 1 block at once cleans, wets and tins the tip.
The composition will remove the stubborn layer that forms on iron-plated tips and resists resin based fluxes.

The first looks expensive for what looks like lathe swarf, they're twice the price over here and I have three sponges to go at so...

Might try a pan scourer though, looks similar.

S.