On Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:18:49 -0000, "ian field"
wrote:


"John Larkin" wrote in message
.. .
On Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:48:12 -0000, "ian field"
wrote:


"Jim Thompson" wrote in
message ...
I have an absolutely ancient Weller WTCPN soldering station that is
disintegrating... it's probably at least 33 years old.

I don't have any need for surface mount sophistication.

What are people's thoughts on a cheapy replacement such as...

Since Weller became Cooper Tools, the bean counters took over the asylum -
they cut corners on manufacturing and reliability went down the gurgler.

When my last Weller fell to bits I bought an Antex 25W iron as a stop gap,
and have been using Antex ever since.

I did treat myself to a 50W Antex TC iron but TBH I don't see much
advantage
over the standard X25.


The Metcals are the best irons. The SP200 system is about $290. They
warm up in seconds and have impressive heat control.

John


He said "cheapy replacement", the Antex irons are cheap as chips and last
for years.


Sorry, I don't do cheapy. Some of us can afford ten cents a day to
have the best soldering gear.

John