dumbass soldering tool questions

[Kevin Lightner]

I have two main irons, both Weller's-


One is a WLC100, a bright orange adjustable unit.

Price: About $40
It takes at least 5 minutes to warm up.
The cord between the base and the iron carries wall current (120VAC) and
will melt upon contact with the iron. (!)

I'm on my 3rd one in 5 years.


The other is an EC2002ESD, a blue adjustable unit with an LED temperature
readout.
Electrostatic safe.

Price: About $300
It heats up immediately and stays within 1 degree of the desired temperature.
The cord between the base and the iron carries low current and is melt proof.
I've replaced 2 power transformers, 2 power switches, 1 control board and 4
heater elements in 7 years.

It's in a box broken as we speak.

Moral?

I dunno... buy the cheapy iron, give it time to warm up and don't melt the
cord. ;-)

-K