[vcf-midatlantic] Dang they don't make them like they used to ...

[Ethan Dicks]

On Thu, Nov 19, 2020 at 12:00 PM Sentrytv via vcf-midatlantic
<vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
> I have had Weller soldering stations all through out my “professional career”.
> I still continue to use the stations that I had in my TV shop in the mid 80s.
>
> > On Nov 19, 2020, at 10:38 AM, Neil Cherry via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
> >
> > So my POS 35 year old Weller workstation that I got out of the back of the Computer Shopper
> > for $25 shipped has developed a crack in the heat guard sleeve. I mean really I spent good
> > money on this and it only lasted 35 years. I want a refund! ;-)

I've been using the same Weller EC1200 since 1984.  Back then, it was
on the bench at work (and IIRC, they paid $250 for it new, in
1981-82).  When the company folded in 1993, I bought out the stock and
bench and continued to support our (few remaining) customers for the
next 1-2 years.

I've replaced the heater once and the thermostat unit once in those 36
years.  I could use a new strain-relief grommet on the cord but it's
been fine for years with gentle handling.

About the only thing that could replace this battleship is a nice
Hakko with a sheaf of SMT tips.

-ethan