Soldering station or iron recommendations

[Emlyn]

Considering doing some soldering at home for repairs and modifications to some things, and plan on getting fairly serious about it, so I want to get my own gear for soldering. Looking for recommendations what's the best cost/performance wise today and something that will last for the long term. Suggestions? How about this from Weller?

Partsexpress (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-120)

[dorokusai]

This is the one I have...and it's perfect for everything including Cardas products. Go industrial.

WELLER WTCPT (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-140)

[disneyjoe7]

This is the one I have...and it's perfect for everything including Cardas products. Go industrial.

WELLER WTCPT (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-140)


I too also own one of those WTCPT had it for years.... Top end Weller all the way. :p Doro Telco guys must think a like. :eek:

[masanz1]

another nod for weller. I use one on my rc stuff and it works great

[Emlyn]

This is the one I have...and it's perfect for everything including Cardas products. Go industrial.

WELLER WTCPT (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-140)

I like it. Hardcore! :D

[PolkThug]

One of the most painful things I've ever done (as a teenager), was grab a Weller from the wrong end. Self branding sucks.

[ezc]

I agree weller! I use a weller WSD 81, lots of tips to choose from. http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?itemId=176400
So far I like this station best. I got it about 2 mo ago & It to me is better than my old wtcpt. The pencil on the 81 is skinner & fits better in my hand especially when its a bigger job. I use the station for electronic repairs, a/v repairs & hobby. couldnt be happier. Myu station is used 6 days a week.

[Jstas]

If I could find the irons my dad has from when he was a field service tech, I'd say to use those but I don't think they are made anymore. That said, Weller may not be the absolute best out there but they are very good pieces of equipment and they have several heads that can be interchanged for different soldering needs. That also has an adjustable temperature control which is important especially when working with printed circuit boards like what is found in some crossovers. It can seem a little pricey at ~$145 but you can be pretty much rest assured that you will not need another one for a very long time. That would not be a bad buy in any respect. The other bonus is that IIRC, it comes with hardware to mount it to the work bench which is a good safety measure.

[madmax]

How about this from Weller?

Partsexpress (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=372-120)

I have used this iron at a friends house. It is just ok. Doesn't feel real good, gets hot on the handle but works. I am used to using the ones at work (like Doro has). Actually I have one at home I like even better for audio stuff and it is cheaper in price. I'll get the number off of it.
madmax

[madmax]

Mine at home is an Ungar 921ZX but unfortunatly it is out of production. I chose it because our re-work person liked it much better for fine stuff. You really can't beat the one Doro recommended if you want to pay that much. I think you could get by with the cheapy though.
madmax

[bknauss]

The one from Parts Express is good as a starter. Nice for soldering wires, and if you get a smaller tip, good for through hole parts.

The one that Doro recommends is what we use at work (well, other than our super duper surface mount soldering station). Great all around station and they last forever.

[Emlyn]

Great suggestions and advice. Thanks. I knew I asked in the right place. :)

Looks like I'll probably be getting the Weller WTCPT. The WSD 81 is probably more than I'd need for occasional use rather than every day use, and I'd likely end up eventually having to replace the lower powered type if I got one of those.

[dorokusai]

Mark - Let me look up the price thru work, I may be able to get it cheaper for you.

[fredv]

I dropped by Fry's today and found that there was a WTCPT inside their locked cage with a sticker printed $104.99!!! Real? I had to run but will check it out later this week. If so, sounds like a good deal.

[fredv]

It is real, same price at outpost:
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/1723113?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[Emlyn]

Mark - Let me look up the price thru work, I may be able to get it cheaper for you.

Thanks Mark. That would be outstanding.

Fred, the price from Fry's does look great too.

[Burnzy]

Just found this one, also has a fume filter...

Soldering Station w/ integrated Fume Extractor (456DLX) (http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7506)

[bknauss]

What's the fun in soldering all day and not having that terrible smell right under your nose for the rest of the day? That and fiberglass resin are two of those smells that just stick around with you for an entire day.

[Jstas]

You're not supposed to burn the resin.