[Boatanchors] Soldering Station Advice

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

I use an older Pace dual control station, Weller fixed wattage (the Pace 
has manual controllers) irons and either Pace or APE desoldering handpiece and 
tips.  I also used to forget and leave the equipment on and burn up tips 
and heating elements.  I solved this problem by adding a timer controlled 
switch to the outlets the Pace unit and larger but seldom used irons plug into.  
The metal outlet boxes used here are of the type that you can remove the 
sides from and build wider boxes.  I added one box for the timer, which mounts 
like a standard switch, and didn't lose any outlets.  The timer is 
mechanical, can be set for up to 60 minutes, and won't reset if the lights blink due 
to a momentary power outage.  I don't think I've changed a tip and know I 
haven't burned up a heating element since I did this about three years ago.

In a message dated 08/18/2011 15:22:43 PM Central Daylight Time, 
elespe at lisco.com writes: 
> I also endorse that choice (FWIW) Over 25 years in electronic 
> manufacturing.
> I have several Weller WTCP fixed temperature that have over 25 years on 
> them 
> and still work very well
> Only dislike is the tips don't last as long as I think they should. Maybe 
> I 
> need to remember to shut them off when I am finished using them!
> The Hakko 936 is a very good value, nice to use and it is variable 
> temperature
> I like having the luxury of both. The Weller is a longer slender tip for 
> reaching in deep spaces but I think the Hakko is a better product.
> For a new purchase today I'd go Hakko in a heartbeat
> I also have the Weller variable temperature version of the WTCP and don't 
> like it at all. Would not recommend it.
> Paul K0UYA
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: <LeeCraner at aol.com>
> To: <kmd at xplornet.ca>; <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 12:00 PM
> Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Soldering Station Advice
> 
> 
> >Keith:
> >
> >I love my Hakko 936's (I have two).  Three sizes of "handles" are
> >available and a very wide assortment of tips.  Prior to getting my first 
> >Hakko, I
> >had Weller and Unger stations.  When my Unger finally gave up, I 
> >purchased
> >the first Hakko.  I was sorry I didn't make the switch  earlier.
> >
> >And, I too work on both SS and boatanchor gear, doing a lot of 
> homebrewing
> >of both.
> >
> >It is now discontinued and replaced with what is supposed to be even a
> >better unit, but I have no experience with the new one.
> >
> >73
> >Lee WB6SSW
> 

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
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MVPA 9480