Soldering iron

[miso]

I agree on tip changing, but I don't change tips between every joint.

I'd like to see the official failure rate on the metcals. I find so many
busted ones that it can't be good.

 

[miso]

I've had three over 20 years or so. One died right after the warranty
expired, one was still working after about 15 years when I left IBM, and
my current eBay one has been fine for three years or so.

Cheers

Phil Hobbs

But the current generation is made in China IIRC. I'll make it a point
to get the model numbers the next time I see a pile of busted metcals.
Busted Metcals don't last long on the surplus shelf since there is a
small fraternity of people that know how to repair them and then put
them on ebay.

 

[Archimedes' Lever]

I agree on tip changing, but I don't change tips between every joint.

I'd like to see the official failure rate on the metcals. I find so many
busted ones that it can't be good.

Thew key to longevity for both tips and the driver unit is to turn the
thing off between sessions. It only takes 5 seconds to heat from ambient
and even less when it is already warm. Leaving them on all day cycles
the drive constantly, and burns up the tip itself too.

Turning off the power keeps a 5 year old tip as new looking as a tip
only a month old by some dope who is casual about it.

 

[Archimedes' Lever]

When I am soldering, I leave the iron on. I don't get the heat up contest.

You're a total retard, and about as green as used coffee ground fungus.
Just about that 'smart' too.

 

[Clifford Heath]

...or a Hakko:
http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888.html

That was my conclusion too… just bought one on aliexpress.com, $74 and
abt $40 freight to Australia.
Plenty of spares available locally (the station itsef costs much more
locally though)

Clifford Heath

 

[Archimedes' Lever]

I'll add that many of the Metcals out there -- even ones well past a
decade old now -- have the option to shut themselves off after something
like half-an-hour if they haven't been used.

Still TOO FUCKING LONG.

Don't be a lazy, energy wasting fucktard. Turn OFF your iron between
sessions.