On Friday, March 11, 2016 at 12:11:37 AM UTC-8, N_Cook wrote:
On 11/03/2016 06:13, wrote:
On Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 6:16:45 AM UTC-8, N_Cook wrote:
The problem with soldering iron control is putting a temp sensor in the
heater block , if you can get away with simple heater and replaceable
tips only, keeps the costs down (and swapping-out universality up , for
hacker types).
Ah so no manufacturer would want that. Another thing to try out sometime
as a proving exercise.

Check out a Metcal. The heater element IS the temperature sensor. I've been using one for 15 years and wouldn't have anything else.


G²


I was aware of them , when they first came out. Just checked the price
of them and they will stay in the suppliers.
My magnastat came from the one-time Ferguson site at Gosport , with 1986
melted into the plastic by "Jane" on the production line.
I've worked out a simple way of making my own magnastat tips and if the
element failed, have a reasonable chance of making my own heater
(assuming by then replacement heaters will be unavailable).

New Metcals are definitely pricey but used ones can be had for a reasonable price. Power unit around $50, new wand is $100, add a $25 tip and you're still under $200. Over the years I've picked up over a dozen used ones for employers and friends. Two power units had failed and both were easily repairable. One Metcal is at work and it gets used 10-20 hours per week. My other Metcal is at home and is used much less but i don't like poor tools. I own 2 Weller magnastats but don't even pull them out of the garage any more.

G²