Jee Labs Talk

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1. sylvain
   

   Hi All,

   My Weller died on me... It was one of those "cheap-ish" 220v models.
   Now I'm looking for a new one for recreational electronics soldering. I dont plan on doing a lot of SMD work, but it would be nice if the iron would not fry on contact...

   What would be a good solution?

   Cheers

   Sylvain

   Posted 06/10/2009 13:56:39

2. jcw
   

   I use a simple 15W Weller from many years ago, with 3 temperature settings: 270/320/370°C. The tip is slightly too sharp for SMD work (the solder doesn't cling to the front of the tip), but it works well nevertheless. I also have larger 35W & 45W irons, but they are too heavy for my tastes. One even has a fume ventilator, but that just adds to the bulk of both the iron and the cable.

   Crazy as I am, I've been considering building my own thermostat-controlled iron using a JeeNode. Would allow on-screen reporting, and remote / timed shut-down. Could turn off when no light/motion is detected in the room for a while, for added safety. It's really not that different from a reflow-controller. With a KAKU or FS20 switch to control 220V, even a cheap iron would do. But hey, I've got enough pots cookin' already ;)

   I'd say go for small/light. Short barrel - the closer your hand is to the soldering tip, the better (if well-insulated!) IMO.

   Posted 06/10/2009 14:58:10

3. sylvain
   

   Hi Jean-Claude,

   Thanks for the comment!

   Sylvain

   Posted 07/10/2009 07:53:19

4. sylvain
   

   Hi all,

   I'm not sure about the brand, Would this be something? http://nl.farnell.com/duratool/d00678/soldering-station-eu-plug-esd/dp/1498367 or should I stick with (the much more expensive) Weller?
   e.g. http://nl.farnell.com/cooper-tools-weller/whs-40d-eu/soldering-station-digital-eu/dp/1523763

   Thanks

   Posted 08/10/2009 06:22:47

5. jcw
   

   Well, that's basically your call... FWIW, I'm right-handed, I'd probably pick the Weller.

   Check out the price of replacement tips too. But both look fine to me - more than I've ever spent on an iron :)

   Posted 08/10/2009 21:25:13

6. jcw
   

   Same one? http://nl.farnell.com/cooper-tools-weller/whs40/soldering-station-40w/dp/957896

   Update - oh, I see: no digital readout. I couldn't care less about that :)

   Posted 08/10/2009 21:28:16

7. sylvain
   

   Thanks Jean-Claude,

   I think I'll go for that one!

   Sylvain

   Posted 12/10/2009 09:45:33