Soldering Irons

4 May 2018

I'm looking to step up my soldering game. I've seen the relatively new intergrated heating element into the soldering iron tip, like the JBC stations. Does anyone know a budget version that uses the same tech?

Top Comments

jw0752 over 7 years ago +4

Hi Jade, Here is a great soldering iron that was given to me by a good friend. I have been using it every day for about a year and it is still on the first tip. You can set the temperature anywhere you…
shabaz over 7 years ago +3

Hi Jade, I've not used it myself, but we specified Metcal PS-900 for a few sites, no complaints so far. It is fairly low cost. It uses Metcal's own system, which is like a competitive technology to other…
fluxcap over 7 years ago in reply to genebren +3

I looked at it and it seems to be a good choice only that your counting on the smartheat thing to adjust for the temp. I'd rather be able to control it. Also if you know of any really good old tech soldering…

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genebren over 7 years ago

Hi Jade,

I would agree with shabaz, I own a PS-900 which I really like. I have used Weller prior to that but I had a lot of trouble getting the temperature just right and as a result I would burn through tips (lead-free) rather quickly. Having used the PS-900 for more that a year, I would say that it was well the the price.

Good luck!
Gene
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fluxcap over 7 years ago in reply to genebren

I looked at it and it seems to be a good choice only that your counting on the smartheat thing to adjust for the temp. I'd rather be able to control it. Also if you know of any really good old tech soldering stations, anything would be better than the weller WLC100 I have now. It doesnt really give a good idea of the temp because your temp control is just a pot with the numbers 1-5. Also thanks for the input!
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genebren over 7 years ago in reply to fluxcap

Yeah, my Weller is WESD51, with real temperature control (actual degrees). There are a lot of accessories for these irons and it was a workhorse.
Gene
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genebren over 7 years ago in reply to fluxcap

Yeah, my Weller is WESD51, with real temperature control (actual degrees). There are a lot of accessories for these irons and it was a workhorse.
Gene
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fluxcap over 7 years ago in reply to genebren

I found a WESD51 very lightly used one on ebay for 133 including shipping would you say thats a good deal?
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genebren over 7 years ago in reply to fluxcap

Jade,

I see a new unit (WESD51D) listed at $212 with free shipping. I bought my Metcal off of ebay for $153.00 (new or reconditioned) after a fair amount of following various auctions (about 1 1/2 years ago). So, $133.00 might be an OK deal, but you could probably do better.
Gene
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fluxcap over 7 years ago in reply to genebren

Got an update for y'all, I used a coupon code I found and got it for 116 including shipping. The iron was only used a couple of times and you can tell caue it has that new iron shine on the handle.
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genebren over 7 years ago in reply to fluxcap

Jade,

I wish you good luck with your ebay purchase. I have gotten a lot of good used equipment from Ebay, but you never really know who you are dealing with until you receive and test your equipment. I have some new/unused and some lightly used tips for this iron. Should they be of any use to you, they are yours for the cost of shipping only. Let me know if you are interested and we can setup a transfer.

Good luck!
Gene
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