I used several Weller solder stations thru the years. I just retired
to the garage, a model WCC for which I can no longer find tips. I
had one tip about 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide chisel point that was great
for very heavy soldering of large metal objects (actually too much
for a PL-259). Lost it last fall outside. But I finally just tired
out of trying to keep a tin on the old point that I used for sm
soldering (typ 0805 and 1206 size). My dog and my wife were tired of
my rant against the old POS.
So I sent my $300 to a Amazon.com vendor and bought a brand new Hakko
FX-951, with three tips: T15-ILS conical (for I know not what),
T115-D12 (for most sm work), and T15DL52 with 1/4-inch chisel for
heavy-duty (incl PL-259's).
I have built two pc boards in the two weeks I have had the new solder
station and it is amazing. Both boards are major projects with over
100 components. I dial in the temperature exactly to what I want and
the unit maintains that while soldering; not just a rheostat but a
full feedback temp control.
Even soldering some filter cans to the ground plane of the pcb was
done well with the D12; previous use of the WCC was total muck-up
cold soldering which required using the 3/8-inch tip to get good flow.
I like the wire tip cleaner vs using a wet sponge. It keeps tip
bright and ready. I do a quick plunge-swipe before each sm component
is soldered. I've found with a little experimentation that 670F
works well for sm with 60/40 solder. The T15-DL52 seems very hot at
this temp, making quick work of heavier items.
But if you are not a person that uses a solder iron a lot, the Weller
probably is a reasonable choice. If You build a lot or for work,
then the FX-951 is what you want! I have no desire to go back to Weller.
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com
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