Another soldering station recommendation

[Colossal]

I have a 60W Weller WTCPT that I've had for about four years. I use a sturdy ceramic cup with a brass "brillo" pad to wipe the tip between each connection. Recently I've noticed that the two screws which hold the heated element on to the handle have fatigued and loosened. I think the repetitive, vigorous wiping action all this time has stripped those fragile little screw sockets because they will back out almost immediately after being tightened.

I looked into just buying a replacement iron (Weller part #TC201T) and keeping the power supply base but to my surprise, the iron assembly was most the price of an entire new iron! I've been happy with it but am thinking it's time to replace. I don't want a repeat performance failure with the replacement. Any recommendations? Another Weller? Maybe adjustable temp this time around? I wish they would they would make them a bit more sturdy. I'm not rough with it, but it's obviously not up to the rigors of routine use with those two piss-ant screws being the point of failure. Anyone else run into this problem?

Thanks.

[diagrammatiks]

hakko or xytronics

[John_P_WI]

Colossal,

Just an FYI I learned from the techs at work, "stab" the "brillo" pad, do not wipe. Wiping can flip the hot solder back at you!

The last iron I bought was an adjustable 40 watt weller. I truly think the weller's are built to be "disposable".

BTW, could you epoxy the screw pockets?

John

[Kazooman]

I have the Weller WESD51 50W station and am very pleased with it. The design of the iron / handle is different from yours and it shouldn't be subject to the type of failure you are describing. The cost seems to be about the same as you paid for your station and the analog version is much less expensive. I wouldn't give up on Weller just yet.

Two comments:

I think your "sturdy ceramic cup" did you in. I have a Haako metal cup with the brass sponge pad in it. It is too light to allow for any vigorous wiping of the tip without the cup moving around the bench. I plunge the tip into the sponge and give it a few twists and it comes out shiny. You might give a new technique a try.

Have you explored gluing the screws in with epoxy? You have nothing to lose at this point. Or, if the screws just thread into plastic, you might find slightly larger screws that would gain some new bite. Either way, I often live by the adage that "it's already broken, so I can't break it any worse" and go ahead with an attempted repair.

[Kazooman]

WOW! John beat me to the punch by a few minutes while I was typing!

Two opinions that sound very similar. I would disagree with the Weller's being disposable. Mine seems very sturdy to me.

[Aurora]

Been using Wellers for well over 30 years now.....changed som heater elements, temp.sensors etc, etc. They have always been solid on me.
If I remember correctily, the TCPs had 3 screws running longitudinally into the handle.... the new handles are made different - just look at the pic- no screws..... I now use the later 80w series - very pleased with them... just don't get one with low power - 50W min is my pref - smaller is to troublesom for larger components and heavy tabs....
that's why I like the newer 80Ws som much - solid temp.control AND lots of power in the gut.....

[Kazooman]

I haven't tried an 80W model, but I bet I would like it if the handle and tip is not too bulky. I find that I do crank my 50W way up since I like to get in and out quick when I solder. The added power would give me a little headroom.

[tdvt]

I did this same search a few months back as all I had ever used was a variety of cheap 25W pencils. Scoured the web, read lots of reviews, etc., ended up buying a Hakko FX-888.

I have about half a AB763 project assembled with the new set-up & it's great.

Wish I had bought a decent station years ago

[mlp-mx6]

Love my Xytronic!

[pinkphiloyd]

I've had my CSI Station 1A for about a year now and I absolutely love it. Circuitspecialists.com

Direct link: http://www.Circuitspecialists.com/solde ... ion1a.html

[Aurora]

Kazoo... the newer 80W handles are quite slim and very easy to use. At work, I also have an 80W twin station with an additional MPR80 handle which I use under microscope for the smallest SMDs.... quite easy to work with, - once you get used to it.

[brentm]

+1 on the WESD51. Love it!!!

[Colossal]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all of the quick replies and suggestions. Guess I better start shopping.

John, I do stab initially but resort to a wipe while twisting a bit. But I do concede that I probably should refine my technique. I think four years of steady use plus those two little screws being not up to the job equals failure. still four years isn't bad. Kazooman and John, yes, I have nothing to lose at this point and plan to try a two part epoxy till I make up my mind on a replacement. You're right, can't break it any more

Brent and all, thanks for the tip on the WESD51 and other alternatives. I'll check them out. I am happy with my 60W WTCPT, it works really well and I haven't had a cold joint from it yet.

[selloutrr]

Weller or Hakko

[martin manning]

Another happy WESD51 owner here.