Jim Feeley Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 My old (OLD!) Weller soldering station is dying. Probably nothing I couldn't fix with a good soldering iron, but now I'm facing the soundie's version for "There's a hole in the bucket." And anyway, it's really old. I need a new iron/station, but geez, Weller makes a million models, and I'm not familiar with other brands. I'm not sure what to buy. Would love some suggestions and perspectives. A bit of background: I used to be quite handy with an iron... using one was a big part of my job. But that was a long time ago. Now I just occasionally make and repair basic cables and stuff. My needs are simple and my skills meh.... Also, I don't want to spend a lot of money. Nor do I want to burn down my house. Think this 40-watt Hobbyist station might work for me (even though it's not pale blue)? Or is that penny wise, pound foolish? http://bit.ly/ijqwGk Related question: My butane-powered iron isn't TSA friendly. Anyone found a battery-powered iron that's both roadworthy and useful? Like perhaps this little Weller? http://bit.ly/dSSN7D I've been living in my own small happy world here. But that world needs a new power supply (or something). Would love some suggestions... Thanks a bunch! --Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 I've got the older version of the WLC 100 where the iron is hard wired into the base. Been using it for 15 years and it still keeps on trucking and I do a lot of soldering. No reason not to get that unit. Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Daddyo Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Hey Jim, I use a Madell AT201D Solder Station. http://madelltech.com/m3-8.html It is around $30 to $40 more than the Weller you mentioned depending on where you get it. It is really nice iron with a digital temperature read out. It is a little big so that should be a consideration. Radio Shack sells them under their name for around $80 but when I bought mine from the Shack it was on sale for around $50. Most online places sell them for $67. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek H Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 I can recommend the Hakko 936 station. Heats up very fast. Comfortable iron to handle. You won't find the tips at the hardware store though. OT: What temperature do most of you use for general cable making? (where there are no sensitive components involved) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek H Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Andy, The Madell iron in the link appears to be a re-branded Hakko 936... That or my Hakko 936 is a re-branded Madell..?? http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?PID=1250&Page=1 Either way, it works great for me. My soldering skills are still catching up to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Osborn Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 Second the Hakko 936. A solid, no-frills soldering station. It's been discontinued but there are still some to be found. Model 936-11 has a small tip iron. Model 936-12 comes with a medium tip iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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