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  • Author Author: rscasny
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Out of Curiosity: Why Have Over 200 People Applied for the Weller Soldering Station Roadtest?

I roadtest a lot of different kinds of products. Some get a ton of applicants and others I have to "bend arms" a bit to get some people to apply.

 

My Raspberry Pi and Beaglebone roadtests often get a lot of applicants. Same goes for oscilloscopes and other test equipment.

 

But 204 applicants for the Weller Solder Station ( Weller Soldering Station WT Series  ) must be the best showing EVER for this kind of product!

 

So, I'm curious.. What have so many of you applied for this roadtest?

 

Randall Scasny

RoadTEst Program Manager

  • My opinion is that, as stated in one point, this kind of equipment is usually found at companies, labs or maker spaces, and not everyone could afford one for personal use. People have tested it on those places and confirmed how good Weller and its products are, so this RoadTest is a good chance to get one!

     

    I voted "I need a soldering station" because that would be my reason to apply, I just have a cheap soldering iron (I haven't applied to the roadtest, because soldering is not one of my strengths and can't think in a way to do a fruitful roadtest) but I have tested Weller products and they are very nice to work with

  • in reply to fmilburn

    If you plan on doing some soldering over the next month+ that's a big part of the roadtest done....you just need photos/video and time to write up your views, oh and a good few hours at least to fill out the application. So if you are doing the soldering I'd suggest applying (and good luck).

  • I think it's all down to the fact that it's a manageable road test and a very useful tool.

  • Wow - that's a lot of applications! I too agree with the comments above. I think people 'get by' with older tech sometimes simply because that's what they are used to, and they know the capabilities of the older tool inside-out, so they're productive with it in some ways.

     

    Sounds like a great opportunity for Weller and modern soldering iron manufacturers though, if so many people are in a position that they recognise that there's benefits in soldering with these way more ergonomic, higher (but controlled) power irons, compared to the older tech. At a trade show, I went with a friend who had been working with an ancient iron for years. I was enthused over the latest solder stations, and when he noticed the capabilities of a modern system being demonstrated, he signed up then-and-there for a demonstration at his premises, and went on to purchase some really nice solder stations.

     

  • I imagine it's due to all of the above, plus it's an accessible RoadTest that more people would be able to take on.

  • It is just one of those fundamental tools where the quality makes a difference.  I did not enter because I have a decent soldering station and don't solder every day but the Weller is undoubtedly better than the one I have.  I was sorely tempted to enter but must try not to overcommit myself :-)

  • Having good quality tools for any task (whether electronics, engineering, carpentry, painting, mechanics etc) takes away the irritation often linked to substandard tools and therefore makes the task enjoyable and more productive with a better quality of finish. Imagine a low-cost iron where there tip temperature fluctuates and sometimes melts the solder but on the next joint it freezes. I've bought low-cost tools in the past and also stretched for some bigger brands when possible - the better quality always lead to better task satisfaction. For example cheap screwdrivers often become tin-openers or scrapers. I think if you asked the community to list soldering irons in terms of quality the Weller brand would probably be at the top; and for anyone who likes soldering they'd love the opportunity to be using one.

  • A soldering iron is perhaps the most important and fundamental tool for anyone building electronics.

    Everyone needs one.

    I really wanted to apply but did not apply - because I had already won a lower cost Tenma.

    A good soldering station makes a huge difference in workmanship and assembly performance.

    Everyone wants a better soldering station.

    Very few individuals can afford a soldering station of the quality of this Weller.

    Of course there are more expensive stations on the market, but they are mostly found at companies - these units are not owned by individuals.

    Almost everyone would want this particular station because it is better than what they have - at least that is my reason.

    I expect there would have been many more applications if members thought they had a realistic chance of winning.