Ersa RDS 80 soldering station: small rant

[Cricri]

So years ago when I upgraded from my Maplin bought Antex 25W soldering iron, I went "all in" (for me anyway) and bought a 2nd hand Ersa RDS 80 soldering station.
It's great, except for one teeny weeny thing: the iron's got a blooming PVC sheath cable!
Not impressed. Needless to say, I do not recommend it, even though for the small amount of hobbyist work I do, I make it do.

I'd have gone for a Weller, but wanted something with a mains fuse on Not sure if it's got one actually!

[stj]

so replace the cable, it's cheap @ banggood.

i'm surprised you didnt have to yet, most of my irons have had cable-breaks just after the handle after a few years or so and had to be re-done.

[Cricri]

If I was using my iron on a daily basis, I probably would. Also, even though I've seen someone replacing the PVC cable with a PTFE one, there's always the chance to ruin the iron. Also, to replace the cable, I'd need... an iron!
My dad did tell me he had a length of PTFE cable lying around I could have, but it was only 2 conductors, and I'm pretty sure mine needs 3 for the thermocouple.

[nctnico]

Yes, the standard handles which come with the RDS80 have rather crappy cables. Fortunately you can upgrade the handle to a better one. It is called the 'basic tool 80' and costs around 65 euro. This has a flexible cable (but I didn't try heat resistance).
https://www.ersa-shop.com/ersa-l%C3%B6tkolben-basic-tool-p-2267.html

[eKretz]

so replace the cable, it's cheap @ banggood.

i'm surprised you didnt have to yet, most of my irons have had cable-breaks just after the handle after a few years or so and had to be re-done.

Ditto. I've broken several internally. On my latest (Ersa iCon) I used some Sugru to make a nice tapered strain relief about an inch and a half long. No problems with that so far after several years.

[Cricri]

I didn't realise Ersa do some replacement irons with Teflon cable!
Well, if I ever ruin the cable, I'll buy one of them then. I'm careful not to kink it, and I don't use it much, so it might take a while Maybe a birthday or xmas pressie gift idea for the wife!

[nctnico]

It is more likely silicone wire. I just check and the cable from the 'basic tool' is resistant against the temperature of a soldering tip.

[wraper]

so replace the cable, it's cheap @ banggood.

i'm surprised you didnt have to yet, most of my irons have had cable-breaks just after the handle after a few years or so and had to be re-done.

Ditto. I've broken several internally. On my latest (Ersa iCon) I used some Sugru to make a nice tapered strain relief about an inch and a half long. No problems with that so far after several years.

i-tool cable won't break as it is.

[Cricri]

I only paid about £85 for the soldering station though, so don't want to pay an extra £60 ish for an iron/cable I would have expected to get to start with when buying a "quality" unit.
Maybe I should have done more research before buying, so I've charged it on the "lesson learnt" budget Heck, for the £60, I might be able to get a used Weller unit.

[eKretz]

so replace the cable, it's cheap @ banggood.

i'm surprised you didnt have to yet, most of my irons have had cable-breaks just after the handle after a few years or so and had to be re-done.

Ditto. I've broken several internally. On my latest (Ersa iCon) I used some Sugru to make a nice tapered strain relief about an inch and a half long. No problems with that so far after several years.

i-tool cable won't break as it is.

Maybe not, but after breaking several cables from other irons, I'd rather not risk it.