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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on November 1, 2011 at 10:48am

PS The first on the list looks a good bet - theyve sold 59 of them! Or maybe one guy has one that has broken 58 times...??

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Permalink Reply by Jason Hitesman on November 1, 2011 at 10:53am

That second link looks similar to the one I use.  In fact it looks identical to the current offering from the place I got mine:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations-csi-station1a....

 

I got mine back around 2005 or so and have used it quite a bit for all kinds of projects: http://www.dunephotos.com/Electronics

 

For the price I payed I've been very happy and impressed.  Heats quick, tips are easy to find...even came with a spare heating element that I haven't had to use yet.  I've done everything from SMT work to some heavy cables with it and it's been able to handle anything I've thrown at it.

 

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Permalink Reply by Outhouse Instruments on November 1, 2011 at 11:05am

I've owned 3 soldering irons in my lifetime.

I ( 100 watts) came from a yardsale , but it was a name brand.

The other 2 both came from Radio Shack ..... all 3 still work. the 2 from the Shack are Weller and an off brand name probably made by them.

 

 

Matt

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Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on November 1, 2011 at 11:43am

Here is is the soldering station I have, and I highly recommend it. Since I got this, my soldering has improved drastically! It is pricy compared to a cheapo from Radio Shack or wherever, but this is a pro-grade setup.

 

Weller WESD51 Digital Soldering Station

 

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Permalink Reply by Tony Davies on November 1, 2011 at 12:48pm

I have had 2 of the first one , both died and now just use a maplin weller iron

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Permalink Reply by jim on November 1, 2011 at 9:48pm

Did you all try tightning the screews on your iron?

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Permalink Reply by HOGS GRUNT on November 1, 2011 at 9:54pm

Blimey Ben you must be heavy on them. I have had mine for over 20 years and it cost me nothing.

Patience is a virtue!!

Hogs.

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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on November 1, 2011 at 10:00pm

Nah.... Impatience is a virtue! :o)

Yup - all screws tightened regularly, tips changed... but they dont seem to last long.

Thanks for the pointers. Keep em coming

B

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