Soldering Station Recomendations

[Carl WA1KPD]

For years I have used the Weller WTCPT 60 Watt soldering station for my boat anchor and old radio work. I need a replacement and was shocked to see them selling for $400! What happened? I used to pay about $150.
https://www.amazon.com/WTCPT-Temperature-Controlled-Soldering-Station/dp/B00004W463
Anyone have recommendations on another one for tube type point to point repairs?
Tnx
Carl

[KB2WIG]

70 W '~ $93     https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077JDGY1J/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

Weller WE1010NA Digital Soldering Station


KLC

[w9jsw]

I bought this one. Works great. Even shuts itself off if I forget.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HMPQ3H7

John

[Opcom]

says replaced by:
https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/soldering/soldering-stations/digital-we-soldering-station-120v-70w-we1010.htm

Weller WE1010 Sale $115.00

anyway no need to spend $$$

[Carl WA1KPD]

Thanks all. I've ordered the Weller
Carl

[Opcom]

I bought this one. Works great. Even shuts itself off if I forget.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HMPQ3H7

John

How long have you had that one? I'm always short of space on my work bench.

[w9jsw]

6 months

[KD6VXI]

I use the WLC100 Weller for my soldering needs.

Had it since 1997.  Had to replace the pen two years ago, found out its the same pen used in the weller combo soldering packs sold at Home Depot and Ace hardware.

Spent 45 bucks on the station in 97, another 25 (iirc) on the new pen.  Probably another 20 or so in tips in the years in between.

Not bad for 20 years.  It's survived more moves than I can remember, was wet for a week once (flood)....  Just keeps chugging along.

I do have an smd station for small work, but this Weller will outlast the smd one I think.





One aside, I use another Weller big 60 Watt plug in for working in qro sized components.  Holds the heat a lot better, as the tip is about as big as my middle finger.  That's one thing this doesn't do amazingly well.  But for board and tube socket sized work, I can't beat it.

--Shane
KD6VXI

[W1NB]

For what it’s worth, I have used a Weller GT3 with a 6B tip for almost 45 years. It’s not a station but it’s temperature controlled, heats up quickly and is very versatile. I’ve used my current one regularly since 2000 and it still works perfectly. It’s also much less than a station.