Which do you use, soldering iron or soldering station?
- Thread starter maxhifi
- Start date
mroboto
Super Member
I use this for small solders : http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-solder-station-0586301p.html
Always on the higher heat level.
And this one for bigger solders: http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-233-150w-soldering-kit-0586362p.html#srp
And a small steel brush like this to clean the tip
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-P...sh-Set-Hand-Tool-Accessories/32823529496.html
Always on the higher heat level.
And this one for bigger solders: http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-233-150w-soldering-kit-0586362p.html#srp
And a small steel brush like this to clean the tip
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-P...sh-Set-Hand-Tool-Accessories/32823529496.html
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simplynuts
Super Member
I have a weller 25 watt pencil that came with one of my heathkits about 40 years ago and still works. Maybe update to newer weller station one of these days, but this one works for me.
AudioWizard
Active Member
I used to use a top of the line Weller with variable temperature/ digital display for 20+ years, it is a good tool, but I purchased a Metcal RF. Wow what an station! Very easy to swap tips compared to the Weller. Highly recommend Metcal.
AudioWizard
Active Member
Metcal MX-500P for me, with the matching desoldering gun. Best soldering tool I've ever used, for sure.
Before that I had a Weller WTCPN for many years (201 version). Still do, but it's been retired since the Metcal system moved onto my bench.
Went from this:
to this:
John
Can you tell me more about the desoldering gun? Don't you need a source of air with the Metcal gun?
OMGCat!
Super Member
I use a Weller WTPTC station and a Hakko 472D desoldering station. My ancient Craftsman gun went open circuit on the primary of the transformer so I'm on the hunt for something now.
I would recommend anyone get at least a decent soldering station if you're going to do work on anything you like. The pencil irons work ok but once you get a nice station you'll wonder why you suffered for so long without.
I would recommend anyone get at least a decent soldering station if you're going to do work on anything you like. The pencil irons work ok but once you get a nice station you'll wonder why you suffered for so long without.
Tube Radio
Super Member
At work I use a soldering station. Metcal to be exact.
At home for about a year or two I have used a soldering iron after the Weller adjustable temperature soldering station I have broke the heating element and I have yet to buy the replacement.
I much prefer the Metcal as it is ready to go in 6 seconds after turn on.
Plus it doesn't lose heat from being on a large connection as quickly as others do.
It also sets the temperature automatically based on the tip used.
The cheapo soldering pencil I used takes forever to heat up and loses heat quickly on large connections.
At home for about a year or two I have used a soldering iron after the Weller adjustable temperature soldering station I have broke the heating element and I have yet to buy the replacement.
I much prefer the Metcal as it is ready to go in 6 seconds after turn on.
Plus it doesn't lose heat from being on a large connection as quickly as others do.
It also sets the temperature automatically based on the tip used.
The cheapo soldering pencil I used takes forever to heat up and loses heat quickly on large connections.
arts
Addicted Member
Ya got me Bill, that's probably what attracted me to this model in the first place
The GF says I'm fifty going on five.......Attachments
soundmotor
super modified
This is the right answer. I've used a gun plenty when stripping a chassis out. They are faster than an iron and easier to hold in one spot.
Yes. At the moment that means I have to do my desoldering down in the garage, but one of these days I'll run a small air line upstairs to the room where my bench is set up currently. It's directly above the garage, so not difficult to plumb.
John
John
Hakko FX-888. Not the digital one, the one before it. Had it for years now and I really have nothing bad to say other than I really wish it wasn't blue and yellow. It works well enough that i can ignore the colors though.
I also have an 808 desoldering iron. Love the performance, just wish it wasn't as large and chunky. I understand the replacement is a little less chunky in the hand though.
I also have an 808 desoldering iron. Love the performance, just wish it wasn't as large and chunky. I understand the replacement is a little less chunky in the hand though.
Tube Radio
Super Member
I love the Metcal desoldering gun.
By far the best most comfortable easy to use one I've ever used.
mroboto
Super Member
My Mastercraft 20/40 watts soldering station just died after 8 years, dosn't heat anymore.
So I bought two Weller soldering irons, one 25 watts SP25NUS and one 40 watts SP40NKCN, both have LED lights.
I did cut the spring of the Mastercraft base to accomodate shorter Weller irons, for the tip to not touch the spring and loose heat.
I hope they will work great, not yet tested.
So I bought two Weller soldering irons, one 25 watts SP25NUS and one 40 watts SP40NKCN, both have LED lights.
I did cut the spring of the Mastercraft base to accomodate shorter Weller irons, for the tip to not touch the spring and loose heat.
I hope they will work great, not yet tested.
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