[vcf-midatlantic] OT: Looking for recommendations on new soldering station

[RETRO Innovations]

On 8/3/2021 3:50 PM, Ethan O'Toole wrote:
>> I think everyone should have a WES/WESD51 on their tool shelf.  They 
>> are awesome, built like tanks, easy to train on, simple, work well, 
>> portable, and you can feel OK loaning out.
>> I love my metcal 500, but it's not leaving the bench.
>> Jim
>
> I had one of the Orange Wellers growing up. I dunno, for the price 
> point I think I like my Hakko more. The downside on the hakko is the 
> UI is a little strange and it would be easy to knock the calibration 
> off. The WESD51 is the digital readout baby blue thing?
Yep.  WES51 lacks the digital readout.  The UI being strange would be 
the killer for me.  I have high school students often help with stuff, 
and send the iron home with them.
>
> A friend swears by the Pace setups. He has the extruded aluminum box 
> thing that drives 3 tools, a soldering and desoldering tool for it. No 
> hot air. 

I have one as well (nice unit), but my point was about having one ready 
to use ina  pinch or pitch in a box if you needed to make a house call.  
The hakko, metcal, pace, etc. units are great bench units, but I don't 
think I'd want to lug around a metcal or pace or larger Hakko.  A really 
small Hakko (like an 888) might be OK as a swap for the WESD51, but I 
don;t think it looks as robust mechanically.  The Weller is sturdy.

Mind you, I don't often use my Weller anymore (my metcal and Pace are 
more useful), but I loan my WESD51 out all the time to folks working 
with me.

Jim


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