Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900 desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a complete
iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's still got a
replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be shipped to the
UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts, which is a bit of a
bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has given stirling service
up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are still functioning
perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a spare part ...

Arfa

Arfa Daily wrote:
Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900 desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a complete
iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's still got a
replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be shipped to the
UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts, which is a bit of a
bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has given stirling service
up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are still functioning
perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a spare part ...

Arfa


The DS900 was a UK model, is it the same as the US version DS600? parts
are still available for that model.

Theres a DS600 on Ebay see if its the same : Auction #180222845995

or theres a head for the DS600
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/we...ring_heads.htm

"John" wrote in message
.. .
Arfa Daily wrote:
Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900 desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a
complete iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's
still got a replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be
shipped to the UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts,
which is a bit of a bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has
given stirling service up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are
still functioning perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a
spare part ...

Arfa
The DS900 was a UK model, is it the same as the US version DS600? parts
are still available for that model.

Theres a DS600 on Ebay see if its the same : Auction #180222845995

or theres a head for the DS600
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/we...ring_heads.htm

Hmmm. Kinda hard to say. The DS900's desoldering tool was based on the
standard TCP series 45 watt (later 50 watt) magnastat controlled iron. The
headset shown certainly looks 'right' although not quite the same. Looks
more like the headset fitted to the later electronically controlled irons
such as the DSX80.

Looking at the exploded view for the DS600, it looks like it has a magnastat
switch in it, so it may well be that this also uses a TCP series iron, in
which case, I see no reason why that headset would not work with my DS900.
The whole trick to the magnastat system working, is that the 'slug' of metal
behind the nozzle attachment boss, which mechanically interfaces with the
end of the element tube to couple heat into the nozzle, has to be made of a
magnetic material. It occurs to me that the later irons that use the same
basic format, but have a sensor 'down the barrel' for the electronic control
system, have no requirement for the coupling slug to be magnetic, so it
might not be. If you look at a magnastat tip, it is actually almost all
copper, but has a steel insert fitted at the back, to make it magnetic to
the magnet in the 'stat switch. Also, the 'sleeve' of that headset would
have to fit over the standard 50 watt TCP series element tube, and be the
right length to screw onto the thread at the bottom. So I guess the next
question is, can any owner of a DS600, tell me if it *is* based on a TCP
series magnastat controlled iron ?

Looking at the latest Weller desoldering stations, it would seem that the
bulk of the extortionate cost lies in the base station, so if I can't get my
existing setup repaired, I might next consider just buying a DSX80 iron, and
modifying my base unit to incorporate an electronic temperature control. I
can then continue to use the vacuum pump on the new iron. I don't suppose
anyone has any schematics for any Weller temperature control boards, do they
?

Arfa

In article ,
"Arfa Daily" wrote:

Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900 desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a complete
iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's still got a
replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be shipped to the
UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts, which is a bit of a
bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has given stirling service
up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are still functioning
perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a spare part ...

Arfa

Two for one on UK ebay right now. One working, one for parts...

Arfa Daily wrote in message
...
Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900 desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a
complete
iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's still got
a
replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be shipped to
the
UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts, which is a bit of a
bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has given stirling service
up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are still functioning
perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a spare part ...

Arfa



What exactly is wrong with your one, or are you just after a spare?
I have a collection of new spare internal parts for assorted desolderers ,
from a production company spares store sell off, but they only have stock
numbers on plain bags that I cannot relate to any maker let alone model. No
complete heads

--
Diverse Devices, Southampton, England
electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
http://home.graffiti.net/diverse:graffiti.net/

"Smitty Two" wrote in message
news
In article ,
"Arfa Daily" wrote:

Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900 desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a
complete
iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's still
got a
replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be shipped to
the
UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts, which is a bit of a
bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has given stirling
service
up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are still functioning
perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a spare part ...

Arfa

Two for one on UK ebay right now. One working, one for parts...

Hey Smitty

Do you have an auction number or direct link reference for that please ? I
have spent hours trawling eBay UK looking for anything DS900 related,
without any success at all. I even have a watch on for anything DS900
related. Just as a matter of interest, what search string did you use to
come up with your find ? Thanks

Arfa

"N Cook" wrote in message
...
Arfa Daily wrote in message
...
Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900 desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a
complete
iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's still
got
a
replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be shipped to
the
UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts, which is a bit of a
bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has given stirling
service
up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are still functioning
perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a spare part ...

Arfa



What exactly is wrong with your one, or are you just after a spare?
I have a collection of new spare internal parts for assorted desolderers ,
from a production company spares store sell off, but they only have stock
numbers on plain bags that I cannot relate to any maker let alone model.
No
complete heads


Unfortunately, a complete head is needed. Initially, the element failed, so
I got a new one - standard magnastat controlled 24v 50 watt type. When I
came to fit it, the slug that slides inside the element tube to couple the
heat into the tip holder boss, had seized into the element. I have never had
that before, despite owning this station for many years, and having had to
renew the element on several occasions. Despite attempts to carefully get it
to come free, it resisted, and eventually sheared off in the old element
tube, leaving just a stub (that in theory you can't even get at due to it
being down inside the securing tube that slides over the element, and is
rolled over at the bottom) that could not be used to couple in heat from the
new element.

I have, with a bit of brute force and carefull snipping, managed to get at
it, and have straightened off the broken stub, and drilled and tapped it.
Likewise, I have removed the coupling slug, complete with its magnetic
insert at the back for the mag switch, and similarly drilled and tapped it.
I have then joined the two together with a brass M4 screw with the head sawn
off. It works, but is less than ideal. It's not quite as strong in use as it
was, and the thermal inertia is not quite as good ...

Arfa

Arfa Daily wrote in message
...

"N Cook" wrote in message
...
Arfa Daily wrote in message
...
Does anyone anywhere have a spare head set for a Weller DS900
desoldering
station, that they would be prepared to part with? Failing that, a
complete
iron, or failing that, anyone have a local parts supplier that's still
got
a
replacement head set or complete iron in stock, that could be shipped
to
the
UK. Seems that they have stopped manufacturing parts, which is a bit of
a
bummer as mine was very expensive when new, and has given stirling
service
up until now. The vacuum pump and power unit are still functioning
perfectly, so it seems a shame to have to junk it for a spare part ...

Arfa



What exactly is wrong with your one, or are you just after a spare?
I have a collection of new spare internal parts for assorted desolderers
,
from a production company spares store sell off, but they only have
stock
numbers on plain bags that I cannot relate to any maker let alone model.
No
complete heads


Unfortunately, a complete head is needed. Initially, the element failed,
so
I got a new one - standard magnastat controlled 24v 50 watt type. When I
came to fit it, the slug that slides inside the element tube to couple the
heat into the tip holder boss, had seized into the element. I have never
had
that before, despite owning this station for many years, and having had to
renew the element on several occasions. Despite attempts to carefully get
it
to come free, it resisted, and eventually sheared off in the old element
tube, leaving just a stub (that in theory you can't even get at due to it
being down inside the securing tube that slides over the element, and is
rolled over at the bottom) that could not be used to couple in heat from
the
new element.

I have, with a bit of brute force and carefull snipping, managed to get at
it, and have straightened off the broken stub, and drilled and tapped it.
Likewise, I have removed the coupling slug, complete with its magnetic
insert at the back for the mag switch, and similarly drilled and tapped
it.
I have then joined the two together with a brass M4 screw with the head
sawn
off. It works, but is less than ideal. It's not quite as strong in use as
it
was, and the thermal inertia is not quite as good ...

Arfa



can you take a pic of the interior bit, and place on a site somewhere ? or
URL of a pic out there already

--
Diverse Devices, Southampton, England
electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
http://home.graffiti.net/diverse:graffiti.net/

Arfa Daily wrote:
"Smitty Two" wrote in message
news

Two for one on UK ebay right now. One working, one for parts...

Hey Smitty

Do you have an auction number or direct link reference for that please ? I
have spent hours trawling eBay UK looking for anything DS900 related,
without any success at all. I even have a watch on for anything DS900
related. Just as a matter of interest, what search string did you use to
come up with your find ? Thanks

Arfa



I believe this is the ebay item in question:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220210638469

--
Tim Phipps

replace "invalid" with "uk" to reply by email

In article ,
Tim Phipps wrote:

Arfa Daily wrote:
"Smitty Two" wrote in message
news

Two for one on UK ebay right now. One working, one for parts...

Hey Smitty

Do you have an auction number or direct link reference for that please ? I
have spent hours trawling eBay UK looking for anything DS900 related,
without any success at all. I even have a watch on for anything DS900
related. Just as a matter of interest, what search string did you use to
come up with your find ? Thanks

Arfa



I believe this is the ebay item in question:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220210638469

There you go, Arfa. Beware the steep shipping cost. I didn't find it by
searching ebay, I found it by googling Weller DS900. 8th hit. So I don't
know why it escaped your search. Tim? How'd you get it?

Smitty Two wrote:


I believe this is the ebay item in question:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220210638469

There you go, Arfa. Beware the steep shipping cost. I didn't find it by
searching ebay, I found it by googling Weller DS900. 8th hit. So I don't
know why it escaped your search. Tim? How'd you get it?


Out of curiosity I thought I'd try. When DS900 didn't produce anything
I just used the keywords 'Weller' and 'station'. The reason Arfa didn't
find it on an ebay search is that the seller has put a space between DS
and 900.

--
Tim Phipps

replace "invalid" with "uk" to reply by email

"Tim Phipps" wrote in message
...
Smitty Two wrote:


I believe this is the ebay item in question:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220210638469

There you go, Arfa. Beware the steep shipping cost. I didn't find it by
searching ebay, I found it by googling Weller DS900. 8th hit. So I don't
know why it escaped your search. Tim? How'd you get it?


Out of curiosity I thought I'd try. When DS900 didn't produce anything I
just used the keywords 'Weller' and 'station'. The reason Arfa didn't
find it on an ebay search is that the seller has put a space between DS
and 900.

--
Tim Phipps


OK, thanks lads. I might put a bid in on it, but in the meantime, I've had a
bit of a change of heart. Having now spoken to the actual Cooper Tools rep
for the area, it seems that all parts for the magnastat based desoldering
irons, have now ceased production. So I got to thinking that I might well
get a new headset this time around, and then find a few weeks down the line
when I need to order some more tips, that I can't get these either ... I
suppose if I'm absolutely honest, it does struggle a bit temperature-wise
with lead-free work as well, which is why I guess that they've gone over to
all-electronic temperature control now. It's been a good old workhorse
station, but I think that I'm just being sentimental. At the end of the day,
I need a desoldering tool that's there and ready to roll at a moments notice
all day every day. This little hiccup has made me realise how much of a
problem it would pose to my business to be without a desoldering station for
more than a few days.

Soooooo .....

I have bitten the bullet, and bought a Pace off of eBay. At least it's
current, and I know I can get parts and tips for it. I've never actually
used a Pace SX series handpiece, but I guess if it melts the solder and
sucks it off cleanly, then that'll do me. Anyone got any positives /
negatives on this equipment ? All of the reviews I've seen in the past seem
to rate Pace soldering / desoldering equipment, so I'm hopeful.

Ok. Go ahead now and tell me what a durr I've been to have shelled out wonga
on this item ... :-)

Arfa

In article ,
"Arfa Daily" wrote:

"Tim Phipps" wrote in message
...
Smitty Two wrote:


I believe this is the ebay item in question:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220210638469

There you go, Arfa. Beware the steep shipping cost. I didn't find it by
searching ebay, I found it by googling Weller DS900. 8th hit. So I don't
know why it escaped your search. Tim? How'd you get it?


Out of curiosity I thought I'd try. When DS900 didn't produce anything I
just used the keywords 'Weller' and 'station'. The reason Arfa didn't
find it on an ebay search is that the seller has put a space between DS
and 900.

--
Tim Phipps


OK, thanks lads. I might put a bid in on it, but in the meantime, I've had a
bit of a change of heart. Having now spoken to the actual Cooper Tools rep
for the area, it seems that all parts for the magnastat based desoldering
irons, have now ceased production. So I got to thinking that I might well
get a new headset this time around, and then find a few weeks down the line
when I need to order some more tips, that I can't get these either ... I
suppose if I'm absolutely honest, it does struggle a bit temperature-wise
with lead-free work as well, which is why I guess that they've gone over to
all-electronic temperature control now. It's been a good old workhorse
station, but I think that I'm just being sentimental. At the end of the day,
I need a desoldering tool that's there and ready to roll at a moments notice
all day every day. This little hiccup has made me realise how much of a
problem it would pose to my business to be without a desoldering station for
more than a few days.

Soooooo .....

I have bitten the bullet, and bought a Pace off of eBay. At least it's
current, and I know I can get parts and tips for it. I've never actually
used a Pace SX series handpiece, but I guess if it melts the solder and
sucks it off cleanly, then that'll do me. Anyone got any positives /
negatives on this equipment ? All of the reviews I've seen in the past seem
to rate Pace soldering / desoldering equipment, so I'm hopeful.

Ok. Go ahead now and tell me what a durr I've been to have shelled out wonga
on this item ... :-)

Arfa

Professionals need professional tools in excellent condition that they
can rely on. Congratulations on your new acquisition. You did the right
thing.

Now then, about five years ago, I dropped my ancient Hakko desoldering
station on the ground, and the pistol grip handpiece shell broke into
about six pieces. I called a couple of distributors who told me the part
was no longer available. It took me a while, but I finally got through
to Hakko HQ on the phone, and told them I wanted to talk to the oldest
guy down in the corner of the basement. He said, sure, I've got a few of
those lying around. We don't make them anymore, but I have three or
four. I'll send one to you. And he did.

Professionals need professional tools in excellent condition that they
can rely on. Congratulations on your new acquisition. You did the right
thing.

Now then, about five years ago, I dropped my ancient Hakko desoldering
station on the ground, and the pistol grip handpiece shell broke into
about six pieces. I called a couple of distributors who told me the part
was no longer available. It took me a while, but I finally got through
to Hakko HQ on the phone, and told them I wanted to talk to the oldest
guy down in the corner of the basement. He said, sure, I've got a few of
those lying around. We don't make them anymore, but I have three or
four. I'll send one to you. And he did.



That was kinda the route that I was initially going down, after discovering
that the unit was no longer supported, but you're right of course, and I
think I am now glad that I've got a current model on the way. I will let you
know when I've had a chance to have a play with it. It is a good price, and
has got a lot of accessories with it. The guy selling it seemed nice enough,
so hopefully, I've got a good deal. I will probably stay on the lookout for
a replacement headset or complete iron for the Weller. It never hurts to
have a spare unit tucked up the corner, but other than this, it's just going
to get gracefully retired ...

Do you have an oinion on Pace handpieces ? One of the main reasons that I
used to like the Weller, was that the tip was set at an angle to the handle,
so the handpiece was gripped 'pencil-like' in the same way as a normal
soldering iron, and all of the solder collection took place externally to
the handle. With most of the other designs, including the Pace, it looks as
though the tip is in line with the handle, and collection takes place
inside, making it a bit 'chunky'. Does this take a bit of getting used to ?

Arfa

In article ,
"Arfa Daily" wrote:

Professionals need professional tools in excellent condition that they
can rely on. Congratulations on your new acquisition. You did the right
thing.

Now then, about five years ago, I dropped my ancient Hakko desoldering
station on the ground, and the pistol grip handpiece shell broke into
about six pieces. I called a couple of distributors who told me the part
was no longer available. It took me a while, but I finally got through
to Hakko HQ on the phone, and told them I wanted to talk to the oldest
guy down in the corner of the basement. He said, sure, I've got a few of
those lying around. We don't make them anymore, but I have three or
four. I'll send one to you. And he did.



That was kinda the route that I was initially going down, after discovering
that the unit was no longer supported, but you're right of course, and I
think I am now glad that I've got a current model on the way. I will let you
know when I've had a chance to have a play with it. It is a good price, and
has got a lot of accessories with it. The guy selling it seemed nice enough,
so hopefully, I've got a good deal. I will probably stay on the lookout for
a replacement headset or complete iron for the Weller. It never hurts to
have a spare unit tucked up the corner, but other than this, it's just going
to get gracefully retired ...

Do you have an oinion on Pace handpieces ? One of the main reasons that I
used to like the Weller, was that the tip was set at an angle to the handle,
so the handpiece was gripped 'pencil-like' in the same way as a normal
soldering iron, and all of the solder collection took place externally to
the handle. With most of the other designs, including the Pace, it looks as
though the tip is in line with the handle, and collection takes place
inside, making it a bit 'chunky'. Does this take a bit of getting used to ?

Arfa

Can't comment on the Pace, or the Weller either. I like the Hakko pistol
grip design. It's bulky, but then I'm not working inside a chassis with
it so the bulk doesn't ever get in my way... I imagine that the Pace
will feel clumsy to you for a while though, since it differs from the
Weller.

That was kinda the route that I was initially going down, after
discovering
that the unit was no longer supported, but you're right of course, and I
think I am now glad that I've got a current model on the way. I will let
you
know when I've had a chance to have a play with it. It is a good price,
and
has got a lot of accessories with it. The guy selling it seemed nice
enough,
so hopefully, I've got a good deal. I will probably stay on the lookout
for
a replacement headset or complete iron for the Weller. It never hurts to
have a spare unit tucked up the corner, but other than this, it's just
going
to get gracefully retired ...

Do you have an oinion on Pace handpieces ? One of the main reasons that I
used to like the Weller, was that the tip was set at an angle to the
handle,
so the handpiece was gripped 'pencil-like' in the same way as a normal
soldering iron, and all of the solder collection took place externally to
the handle. With most of the other designs, including the Pace, it looks
as
though the tip is in line with the handle, and collection takes place
inside, making it a bit 'chunky'. Does this take a bit of getting used to
?

Arfa

Can't comment on the Pace, or the Weller either. I like the Hakko pistol
grip design. It's bulky, but then I'm not working inside a chassis with
it so the bulk doesn't ever get in my way... I imagine that the Pace
will feel clumsy to you for a while though, since it differs from the
Weller.

OK. Well it should arrive today or Monday - I've had confirmation that it's
on its way - so we shall see ...

I've just been given some 'new' boards of a different type, that have a
multi-pinned module that's going to need removing, so that will be a good
test for it :-)

Arfa

You can get much better support for a T Model Ford Car (I own one, a
1914 T Model Ford Runabout Roadster Car and I also own a 1948 Willys
Jeep too) than you can get for any old soldering/desoldering irons.I own
some old Weller and American Beauty and Unger soldering Irons.I own a
couple of rolls of Keller solder too.
cuhulin

wrote in message
...
You can get much better support for a T Model Ford Car (I own one, a
1914 T Model Ford Runabout Roadster Car and I also own a 1948 Willys
Jeep too) than you can get for any old soldering/desoldering irons.I own
some old Weller and American Beauty and Unger soldering Irons.I own a
couple of rolls of Keller solder too.
cuhulin


And ............... ???

Arfa

"Arfa Daily" wrote in message
...



That was kinda the route that I was initially going down, after
discovering
that the unit was no longer supported, but you're right of course, and I
think I am now glad that I've got a current model on the way. I will let
you
know when I've had a chance to have a play with it. It is a good price,
and
has got a lot of accessories with it. The guy selling it seemed nice
enough,
so hopefully, I've got a good deal. I will probably stay on the lookout
for
a replacement headset or complete iron for the Weller. It never hurts to
have a spare unit tucked up the corner, but other than this, it's just
going
to get gracefully retired ...

Do you have an oinion on Pace handpieces ? One of the main reasons that
I
used to like the Weller, was that the tip was set at an angle to the
handle,
so the handpiece was gripped 'pencil-like' in the same way as a normal
soldering iron, and all of the solder collection took place externally
to
the handle. With most of the other designs, including the Pace, it looks
as
though the tip is in line with the handle, and collection takes place
inside, making it a bit 'chunky'. Does this take a bit of getting used
to ?

Arfa

Can't comment on the Pace, or the Weller either. I like the Hakko pistol
grip design. It's bulky, but then I'm not working inside a chassis with
it so the bulk doesn't ever get in my way... I imagine that the Pace
will feel clumsy to you for a while though, since it differs from the
Weller.

OK. Well it should arrive today or Monday - I've had confirmation that
it's on its way - so we shall see ...

I've just been given some 'new' boards of a different type, that have a
multi-pinned module that's going to need removing, so that will be a good
test for it :-)

Arfa


Well, I've had a chance to play with it now, and I have to say that it's
very good. Surprisingly, although the handpiece *is* chunky, somehow,
they've contrived to make it not *feel* chunky or uncomfortable to use.
Strange ... An interesting exercise in ergonomics, I think !

Arfa

In article ,
Arfa Daily wrote:
I have bitten the bullet, and bought a Pace off of eBay. At least it's
current, and I know I can get parts and tips for it. I've never actually
used a Pace SX series handpiece, but I guess if it melts the solder and
sucks it off cleanly, then that'll do me. Anyone got any positives /
negatives on this equipment ? All of the reviews I've seen in the past
seem to rate Pace soldering / desoldering equipment, so I'm hopeful.

Ok. Go ahead now and tell me what a durr I've been to have shelled out
wonga on this item ... :-)

My homemade station uses an SX80. Expensive elements and bits. Blocks more
quickly than some. But pleasant enough to use.

If using the higher temperatures needed for lead free you might find the
element life isn't too good. I now only switch it on when needed.

--
*What hair colour do they put on the driver's license of a bald man? *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Arfa Daily wrote:
I have bitten the bullet, and bought a Pace off of eBay. At least it's
current, and I know I can get parts and tips for it. I've never actually
used a Pace SX series handpiece, but I guess if it melts the solder and
sucks it off cleanly, then that'll do me. Anyone got any positives /
negatives on this equipment ? All of the reviews I've seen in the past
seem to rate Pace soldering / desoldering equipment, so I'm hopeful.

Ok. Go ahead now and tell me what a durr I've been to have shelled out
wonga on this item ... :-)

My homemade station uses an SX80. Expensive elements and bits. Blocks more
quickly than some. But pleasant enough to use.

If using the higher temperatures needed for lead free you might find the
element life isn't too good. I now only switch it on when needed.


Yes, I was looking at the cost of consumables, and had already decided that
it would only go on when needed. Tips are about the same price as my old
Weller ones at around seven quid, but it looks like you have to buy them in
packs of 5 ... Also, I thought that elements at 70 quid or whatever, were a
bit TTP. Just as a matter of interest, do you use the disposable cardboard
collection tubes ? If so, where do you get them from, and how much do you
pay for them ? I had a quick look in the Farnell catalogue, but they didn't
leap out at me. That's not to say that I was looking in the right place of
course. Sometimes, they put these things in the oddest places ...

Arfa