Soldering stations

[vikingtyty]

Should I buy a Weller wlc100 for 42 bucks? I need a better soldering iron, and this seems pretty good.

[calculating_infinity]

WLC100!  I just got one of these and I do believe many others use these.  Works great, Nate G. suggested a st7 tip which is perfect!  Go ahead and get it!  Or check out the Xytronics station that everyone raves about from circuit specialists.

[vikingtyty]

i see we have a dillinger fan!

i think i'm pretty much dead set on the wlc100. would it make a real noticeable difference, from my MOTHERS old stained-glass soldering iron?

[aron]

Yes, it works great for our projects.

[rasco22862]

i just want to know, what are the advantages of the solder station compared to the old pencil common solder iron, like this one:

Are the pistol one better like this one:

What is the best solder iron for the projects?

Thanks

[calculating_infinity]

i see we have a dillinger fan!

i think i'm pretty much dead set on the wlc100. would it make a real noticeable difference, from my MOTHERS old stained-glass soldering iron?

Yeah DEP was one of my fav bands at one point.  under the running board and calculating infinity.  Back on topic, I had bought a few rat shack irons and a cheapy weller iron and boy the difference is really huge.  I got one of those iron cleaners that looks like steel wool almost.  All you need to do is jab your iron in there to clean it.  Having both of these definately made soldering MUCH easier.  That and 63/37 solder if you havent yet tried.    Hope this helps a bit.  

*edit for rasco.  If you have the money to step up to the WLC 100 (or the suggested Xytronics station) i suggest you get one.  It will last you so much longer than those normal cheapy soldering irons.  Much more effecient!

[newbie builder]

Love my WLC100, works great for stompbox stuff. The advantage is 1 that it has a nice stable holder and sponge etc (but you can buy that for a pencil tip iron), but the main advantage is that you have control over the temperature of the iron- for delicate stuff you can make it relatively cool, for heavy soldering you can crank up the heat. VERY handy ability to have. Plus, the iron itself is higher quality, as are the tips that come with a weller vs. most cheapo (e.g. ratshack) irons.