C
Christopher Tidy
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
Hi all,
I need a soldering iron. I've already got one of the large Antex HP
series irons, which is great for things like motor repairs, but it's too
big for PCB work. I'll probably use the iron a few times a year. I'll
need to solder DIL packages but shouldn't need to tackle any surface
mount components. I'm looking at the Weller W61 and the Antex CS18,
which comes in a kit with a stand, extra tips, pliers and side cutters,
all of which I need. My budget is about £50. As far as I can see, the
W61 has the advantage of temperature control and looks pretty robust,
but it's larger and I've heard a few bad things said about Weller since
they were taken over by Cooper Tools. The Antex on the other hand is
smaller and comes with the extra tools, but is unregulated and doesn't
look so robust. Incidentally, I'm thinking of the Weller W61 as opposed
to the TCP because I don't see the need for the step down transformer
which costs extra and uses bench space. Does anyone have strong opinions
on the two options? Durability and availability of spares is key to me:
if I have to replace the iron in the next 20 years I won't be happy :-D.
Best wishes,
Chris
I need a soldering iron. I've already got one of the large Antex HP
series irons, which is great for things like motor repairs, but it's too
big for PCB work. I'll probably use the iron a few times a year. I'll
need to solder DIL packages but shouldn't need to tackle any surface
mount components. I'm looking at the Weller W61 and the Antex CS18,
which comes in a kit with a stand, extra tips, pliers and side cutters,
all of which I need. My budget is about £50. As far as I can see, the
W61 has the advantage of temperature control and looks pretty robust,
but it's larger and I've heard a few bad things said about Weller since
they were taken over by Cooper Tools. The Antex on the other hand is
smaller and comes with the extra tools, but is unregulated and doesn't
look so robust. Incidentally, I'm thinking of the Weller W61 as opposed
to the TCP because I don't see the need for the step down transformer
which costs extra and uses bench space. Does anyone have strong opinions
on the two options? Durability and availability of spares is key to me:
if I have to replace the iron in the next 20 years I won't be happy :-D.
Best wishes,
Chris