Hi All,
I am in the market for a new soldering tool and am leaning toward a mid-level butane pencil. I currently have two soldering irons and I am not really happy with either. The first is a many years old 40W Radio Shack station that works okay, but ties me to my cold garage workbench. Also, it has only two settings and is easy to forget about (and leave on). I know that is not really the fault of the tool, but if I go with a corded one, I want one that will shut down after a period of inactivity. Over the years, I have ruined two tips from leaving it on (once for several weeks before I noticed it). The tips are expensive from RS since they don't keep them in stock. They will mail them to you at a higher expense.
About two years ago, I picked up one of the little RS butane irons that are also branded under several other vendors. It was cheap enough to try (~$25). I really liked not having a cord flopping over my project, and the ability to work anywhere without dragging the corded model about. The butane iron heats up quickly and is quite adjustable. However, it has been on the fritz lately and I have only really built a SEX kit, a guitar amp, and two other smaller projects with it. It seems like it is clogged and requires shaking and constant readjustment while using it. I checked the reviews on line and this is apparently one of two common problems. The other is that they begin to leak.
So, I like the advantages of a portable model, but would like something more reliable. I have seen cordless electrics, but I don't much about them. I am also debating the idea of just going with a better quality soldering station. Price is not the biggest factor, but is one since it is not my livelihood I don't want to spend over $100, but I do realize you get what you pay for most of the time. I am open to suggestions, but these are ones that are currently under consideration:
Corded Stations:
Weller WES51 ~$89 well regarded, good features (except corded
Hakko FX-888 ~$85 well regarded as a good value
Butane Models:
Weller P2KC ~$60
Weller PSI100K ~$70 big brother to the P2KC, more than needed but not too much more dough
Master Appliance UT-40si ~$45 same as Weller WSTA6 Pyropen Jr
Master Appliance UT-50 ~$80 looks like small size and good quality, but only 20min range.
Master Appliance UT-100SI ~$83 same as the Weller WSTA3 Pyropen
In the butane models, I think that reliability over the years is the most important feature. I think either of the stations listed would have all the features I would ever need, but comparing my current corded model to my current cordless model, I have become a big fan of not having the cord. Any suggestions or insight to choosing a good replacement/upgrade would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
--Tad
