Which Weller Iron?

[donkey77]

Ha ha

[kemal]

I don't know what is available there, but I would like to see a WESD51 compared to a WD1002.  Just to see what one gets for the money.

[bitshape]

+1 vote for review & tear-down of Wellers latest WX stuff:

Weller WX 2021 set (micro + micro tweezer set)    [nice addition to your current Lab-benchtools!]
Weller WX 1010 set (basic)

Just be sure to compare it with your JBC, would be interesting to see where Weller stands. 

[KL27x]

Would like to see WD series.

[SLJ]

+1 vote for review & tear-down of the Weller WX series.
My Weller WX station is working well. Been using it almost two years now with no problems. I have three tools for it. The pencil tip has held up well with no signs of wear.  Tweezers work fine also.  Don't use the WX iron as much as the pencil as I still have a vintage Weller WTCPN station that must be almost 45+ years old now that I still use daily on the main bench.

[EEVblog]

I don't intend to break your balls over this but I'd just like to point out that such a test may be the part of your job you don't like but has to be done.

Are you serious?

Dead serious.

Ok, let me try and explain how the blog works. It's complex, so stick with me:
Rule 1: Do whatever I'm interested in.
Rule 2: Avoid whatever doesn't interest me.
Rule 3: Ignore people who tell me I should do something because it's "my job"

[zapta]

Ok, let me try and explain how the blog works. It's complex, so stick with me:
Rule 1: Do whatever I'm interested in.
Rule 2: Avoid whatever doesn't interest me.
Rule 3: Ignore people who tell me I should do something because it's "my job"

You just violated rule #3.

[con-f-use]

I simply thing the WX stations are a bit under rated and people gang up on how great JBC is. I like my WX very much, so I'd love to see Dave review its bigger brother.

[jancumps]

...
Rule 3: Ignore people who tell me I should do something because it's "my job"

You just violated rule #3.

I find this remark funny

[Finbarry]

I really recommend the WXR 3030. Its the best Soldering / Rework Station I have ever had.
I'm also really interested in seeing what makes it tick. I just don't want to void the warranty on mine though

I have attached a picture of my soldering Setup:

• Leftmost iron: Weller WXP 65 (included in WXR 3030)
• Top Middle PSU: Weller WD1M (Power Supply for solderbath and WMRP)
• Bottom Middle PSU: Weller WXR 3 (included in WXR 3030
• Iron on top of WXR 3: Weller WMRP (Tips include heating element, very easy to change tips while hot.)
• Third from right Iron: Weller WXDP 120 Desoldering Iron
• Second from right Iron: Weller WXHAP 200 (Hot air "gun", Included in WXR 3030)
• Rightmost Iron: Weller WXMP (same tips as WMRP)

Qualitywise I cannot find anything wrong with the Weller irons. Some people complain about them being DOA and the tips not lasting very long. I have used my WMRP tips for almost 3 years and I am still on the first one, soldering every day.

Overall I think that Weller is just a little too expensive for hobby use. As I purchased mine directly through a wholesaler who in turn buys directly from Weller i saved around € 500,- from retail, this makes them much more affordable for me.

If you are searching for something to use as a hobbyist get the WSD 81i, awesome product.


@Dave: Do you get to keep the product you choose? If yes, go for the WXR 3030

[nanofrog]

Qualitywise I cannot find anything wrong with the Weller irons. Some people complain about them being DOA and the tips not lasting very long. I have used my WMRP tips for almost 3 years and I am still on the first one, soldering every day.

They got the WX series sorted after having to recall the initial release due to significant number of DOAs. Stations made in Mexico however still have a higher DOA rate, and the WD series have had some issues as well (i.e. cost cutting gone too far, such as Asian made boards that are final assembled in Germany which qualifies for "Made in Germany").

Tip quality is dependent on COO as well IME. The RT series tips for example, are made in Germany, don't have issues. Same for those made in the US or Japan.  Tips made in Mexico or Bosnia however, are where they have notable QC issues. 

For disclosure, I own a WD1, WSP80 iron, WMP iron, along a WDH-10 and WDH-10T Stop-n-Go stand. It works very well and I'm happy with the performance, but for the money, it's possible to do better IMHO. At a significant discount however, it's well worth consideration, particularly if the buyer is after inexpensive tips. For comparison, the Hakko FX-951 goes for $266.77 MSRP here in the US, and it's possible to get it for less than that on sale; the WD1002 goes for ~$300 on the street if you hunt (TEquipment.net), and the WDH-10T stand is an extra ~$90. You'd be able to outfit the Hakko with a decent selection of tips for the cost difference (and the T15 series tips for the Hakko are quite reasonable for cartridge tips).

[GreyWoolfe]

Yet again, I echo nanofrog on the FX-951.  I bought mine from TEquipment.net with the EEVBlog discount and paid $287 USD for the iron, 5 tips, 4 tip holders and an extra package of brass curls, sleep stand and tip tray included at no extra charge.  Well worth the price, IMHO.

[f1rmb]

You can also build your own WX station. I built mine, double tips (RT ones) control.

Cheers
---
Daniel

[Finbarry]

You can also build your own WX station. I built mine, double tips (RT ones) control.

Really? I didn't know that.

Do you have some sources? I'm interested in trying it myself.
Thanks

[AudioplatinumService]

Hi,
similar project but for WMRP / 12V 

https://github.com/FlyGlas/WMRP


[/quote]

Really? I didn't know that.

Do you have some sources? I'm interested in trying it myself.
Thanks
[/quote]

[f1rmb]

You can also build your own WX station. I built mine, double tips (RT ones) control.

Really? I didn't know that.

Do you have some sources? I'm interested in trying it myself.
Thanks

Sure.

The start point was the project by Martin Kumm http://www.martin-kumm.de/wiki/doku.php?id=Projects:SMD_Solderstation.

But I didn't build a "shield", but a PCB embedding a Nano V3. I got rid of the 7 segments, and use a cheap LCD 2*16.
It can drive two RT tips, with different temperature settings, or identical one, you choose.
I also rewrote the code from zero.

If you're interested, I can provide the eagle files, source code, and so on.

[f1rmb]

Here are two photos.

Cheers.
---
Daniel

[arko]

I'm about to replace my very old soldering station. And looking at the Weller ones, and this thread, nobody mentioned the WP 65 model.

The full kit would be something along the line of:
- WD 1 Station
- WP 65 Kit (WP 65 Soldering Iron + XNT A tip (1.6mm/0.4mm) + WDH 10 base)
- XNT GW 1 (Gull wing tip 2mm)

This set would be for less than 350€, not bad! And ready for SMT and everyday work.

As for the review, I would suggest to go either full steam on a top pro kit; or choose a more hobbyist/enthusiast accessible option. In the latter case, this kit above might be a good candidate..?  What do you think?

And have a look here to see the full story about the different tips, irons, technologies etc... very helpful: Weller Brochure Soldering tips

[nanofrog]

I'm about to replace my very old soldering station. And looking at the Weller ones, and this thread, nobody mentioned the WP 65 model.

The full kit would be something along the line of:
- WD 1 Station
- WP 65 Kit (WP 65 Soldering Iron + XNT A tip (1.6mm/0.4mm) + WDH 10 base)
- XNT GW 1 (Gull wing tip 2mm)

This set would be for less than 350€, not bad! And ready for SMT and everyday work.

As for the review, I would suggest to go either full steam on a top pro kit; or choose a more hobbyist/enthusiast accessible option. In the latter case, this kit above might be a good candidate..?  What do you think?

And have a look here to see the full story about the different tips, irons, technologies etc... very helpful: Weller Brochure Soldering tips

It's not a bad setup (I have a WD1 + WMP iron* + WSP80 iron + WDH-10T stand + WDH-10 stand), but the WP 65 is designed for SMD work, not general purpose. The WSP80 or WP80 are meant for general purpose work, and also do SMD just fine. The LT series also has a lot more tip shapes available. Performance is very good, but it's too pricey for what you get, unless you can get it at a hefty discount.

* The WMP iron is the predecessor to the WP 65.

Since you're located in Europe, I'd encourage you to take a look at an Ersa i-Con Nano instead (or an i-Con 1 if you mean to add additional hand pieces). It's cheaper, ~177EUR (before VAT & shipping) directly from Ersa's e-store (here). The 102 series tips are very well made, and they offer a lot of different profiles. Tips run ~6EUR each IIRC. There are several members that own them, and are very pleased (worth a search).

BTW, if you go into your user profile and set your country, the flag will display beneath your userID. Makes it a lot easier on everyone regarding relevant links and pricing. 

[tooki]

Just FYI, ersa-shop.com is not Ersa itself, it's a reseller (Bräunlich, a reputable vendor I have used before, ordered via Amazon). On the stations themselves, Amazon.de is cheaper, but on the accessories (tips, the little tip holders, brass wool, etc), Bräunlich has much better prices, if you order a few things at once to make the minimum shipping cost worthwhile.

I love my i-Con Nano, but I kinda wish I'd spent just a bit more and gotten the i-Con 1, not because of iron performance (it's fantastic), but because of the user interface: I think I'd prefer the rotary encoder and backlit display (and front panel power switch!) to the up/down buttons, non-backlit LCD, and rear power switch of the Nano. Admittedly, another €100 just for those creature comforts is a lot. :p

Arko, if you're considering spending a fair bit more, depending on where you are this could make sense: someone here in switzerland is selling a new in box (apparently bought years ago but never used) Ersa i-Con 2 station with the Chip-Tool SMD tweezers (in addition to the standard i-Tool soldering iron), asking CHF550. I'd love to get it myself but my finances are absolutely tapped out right now.

[madires]

I love my i-Con Nano, but I kinda wish I'd spent just a bit more and gotten the i-Con 1, not because of iron performance (it's fantastic), but because of the user interface: I think I'd prefer the rotary encoder and backlit display (and front panel power switch!) to the up/down buttons, non-backlit LCD, and rear power switch of the Nano. Admittedly, another €100 just for those creature comforts is a lot. :p

Yup, ERSA offers more bang for the buck. I'm quite happy with an i-Con 2 and the tweezers are great for removing small 2 pin SMT components like resistors and diodes. The tips for larger parts like SO8 or 16 work also fine. The i-tool (soldering iron) is simply amazing.

[nanofrog]

Just FYI, ersa-shop.com is not Ersa itself, it's a reseller (Bräunlich, a reputable vendor I have used before, ordered via Amazon).

Thanks for the clarification. 

I love my i-Con Nano, but I kinda wish I'd spent just a bit more and gotten the i-Con 1, not because of iron performance (it's fantastic), but because of the user interface: I think I'd prefer the rotary encoder and backlit display (and front panel power switch!) to the up/down buttons, non-backlit LCD, and rear power switch of the Nano. Admittedly, another €100 just for those creature comforts is a lot. :p

Strictly for a UI improvement, it is rather pricey. But if the OP wants the ability to use additional tools such as the tweezers, then it's the least expensive way to go (I-Con2 is the next step up, which allows for simultaneous operation of 2 tools, so long as the total power consumption doesn't exceed 150W IIRC).

Arko, if you're considering spending a fair bit more, depending on where you are this could make sense: someone here in switzerland is selling a new in box (apparently bought years ago but never used) Ersa i-Con 2 station with the Chip-Tool SMD tweezers (in addition to the standard i-Tool soldering iron), asking CHF550. I'd love to get it myself but my finances are absolutely tapped out right now.

Sounds like one heck of a deal.  A link might be nice.   

[tooki]

Hahaha I totally forgot to add the link!! 

http://m.tutti.ch/schaffhausen/haushalt/deko-accessoires/angebote/ersa-i-con-2-loetstation-neu_7851732.htm

Maybe someone here will surprise Santa it for me for Christmas?? 

[arko]

Sorry I might have hijacked this thread a bit!
(feel free to move those posts to a new thread)

Thanks for the tips guys!

True nanofrog that it's a bit pricey for what you get. And the Ersa looks good bang for bucks (that's an old late 80s Ersa MS 6000 that I'm replacing btw. Trusty companion. Had to replace a cap once, but never failed me otherwise).

tooki, this is indeed a very nice deal! I'm not sure I'm up to that price range tho, now considering the i-Con 1 or nano prices... Hmmmm...

[tooki]

Arko, just FYI, Amazon.de is offering free shipping to Switzerland right now, and of course doesn't charge EU VAT, so the nano, for example, is just €160, including Swiss customs. Way, way, way cheaper than getting it through the local distributors (like distrelec).