[sdiy] OT: soldering stations

[patchell]

    The WTCPT is a nice iron...I have been using that type since 1976.  It is a little dated in that you cannot adjust the temperature except by changing tips (you can get 600, 700, 800 degree F tips...I prefer the 700).  The newer models with the adjustable temp are also great...the main reason you need a temp controlled tip is that the iron can pump power into the tip when you apply it to the joint you want to solder.  An unregulated
tip will just cool down (especially the smaller tips), and you sometimes have to hold the iron on the work longer to get it up to the same temperture, which could potentially damage parts and or the circuit board (lift pads)...

"magic_silver_box!" wrote:

> Hi, I'm a lurkernewbielurkernewbie! I'm getting a thirty-pound box of DIY stuff via UPS tomorrow --> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1287&item=2508548858&rd=1 and I only have a crappy pencil iron. The guy from whom I bought my 9700 recommended a Weller WTCPT, but I've also noticed the WES50 which is temperature controllable via a knob (important?). Also Hakko seems oK. What stations do you guys use or recommend?
> thank you!!1one
> -magic_silver_box! or Brian or BASS
>
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--
 -Jim
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