A few years ago I needed to get a new soldering station suitable for SMT work. Since my old station made by Weller was still going strong after some 40 years, I looked to the same brand. Almost got a WES51, but then I noticed that I could have an 80 watt unit, WD1002, that still had a very compact pencil (50 mm from tip to handle) and with a wide selection of very fine tips. This unit was touted as particularly good for lead-free work, likely to become common soon. I splurged and got this unit that is currently about $300. Maybe overkill for an amateur, but I don't think I will need to buy another in my lifetime. The unit consists of a WD1 power station with digital display, a pencil stand and a WP80 pencil. 3 pushbuttons allow easy change between 3 favorite adjustable temperatures. ESD safe of course. The tip is connected to a jack on the power unit, and can be left floating or connected to ground or a potential of your choosing. In today's economic climate I might have gone for the cheaper unit, but no regrets, I enjoy this unit every time I use it.
______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
