[dorkbotsea-blabber] Soldering station

[William Beaty]

Now if you want professional, try something like this:

Metcal MX500     $499.
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?name=389-1000-ND

After years with a Weller, I worked at an optosensors job where everyone 
had Metcals.  The jump from $10 radioshack to $200 Weller is about as 
big as the jump from Weller to $500 Metcal.  Instant heat (like three 
seconds) and fast-change tips.  Very high power, but no overheating.  If 
you're working with lots of SMT, definitely get Metcal.   But as with 
professional test equipment, soldering irons used by pros aren't 
cheap.    On the other hand I see that Metcal now has a small $200 version:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?name=389-1095-ND


alex at alexcphoto.com wrote:
> Great video,.. It took away the little bit of hesitation I had on some elements of SMT, it almost looked easy. (if you have a board made for the part.)
>
> BTW, picked up the Weller digital solder station last night,.. First impression when pulling it out of the box was wow, this is crappy build quality, the face plate plastic has a slight warp to it,.. The red glass has a defect,.. the "box" portion just feels and looks low quality,.. The temp knob is a bit off center.  but then I got to the pencil,.. its light, it flows, the grip is just the right size, the cord is soft,.. and does not hamper movement at all,.. Its minimalist, yet some how perfect. plugged it in and cranked it up to 650,.. Just like some of you said, it reached the desired temp in about 20 seconds. Only did a few points on a project but it seemed to work perfectly with the silver solder i use, regardless of its visual aesthetic issues, i think its going to work nicely.
>
> I guess for 150$ I expected a tank, something that looked, felt, and worked like a pro tool,.. I guess two out of three aint so bad,.. 
>