For years, I have owned a 100 watt Radio Shack soldering gun with the looped tip. I use it for heavy duty soldering such as under layout soldering of feeders to bus wires.
More recently, I bought a 15 watt Weller WM120 pencil soldering iron for fine work such as soldering wires to decoder tabs.
I also have a 45 watt Radio Shack soldering iron that has seen better days, and I would like to replace it with a new soldering iron in the 45 to 60 watt range for medium soldering chores such as soldering feeders to rails.
I searched the Weller website and narrowed it down to a 65 watt WXP65 Set, and then searched for a price and was shocked to find out that the WXP65 goes for over $225. Say what?
Shouldn’t I be able to find a reliable soldering iron in the 45 to 60 watt range for a price somewhere around $50?
I use to used the 90 watt gun many years ago but for some years I have used the Weller WLC-100 soldering station with wedge tip for rail joiners and the pointed tip for circuit board work.
I purchased at Hakko FX888 soldering station recently which allows me to digitally select the temperature and choose the tip that I want to use for about half the price of the Weller that you are looking at. I really like the ability to select the temperature that I want to use based on the task. I also like the speed that the tip heats up at so I don’t have to wait minutes for the right temperature.
There are plenty of good soldering stations that are available in the $50 to $100 dollar range and I’m sure that others will give good examples.
I always used either a Weller or American Beauty soldering iron until I retired (50 yrs). After I retired I found a very nice soldering station at MPJA (Model 301A) and I’ve been very happy with it since 2007.
I use the brand Randy recommended, Xytronic. I think there is a knock off Chinese one with a very similar name, couldn’t find that one on short notice.
I still have and still use the Xytronic. Mine is an older model without an LED readout - but I’ve had it something like 14 years now. Nice thing is - parts are still available, including a replacement handpiece, though all I’ve ever done is swap out some tips - and I do still have the original that came with it and that one is still usable.
About the only thing I don’t use it for is soldering feeders to the bus - a realtively low power iron like this isn’t really good for #14 and #12 wire. I have one of those big 100-150 watt guns for that. But electronic assembly, decoder installs, track feeders, soldering track sections together - it’s just the right size.
The LF-389D is on Amazon for the same price as Jameco, so that’s another source.
Wow, I just got back to my computer and to the forum. Lots of great replies. I need some time to absorb them all and then respond. Thanks so much, this all looks very helpful.
I’ve had my 60W Weller WESD51 soldering station for 10+ years now and really like it. It has the LED readout so that I can set it to the temperature that I want. I purchased it new on eBay for a little over $100. It’s been a great soldering station and I’m still on my first chisel tip, which is still nice & shiny. [Y][:D]
I think any properly-adjustable quick-reheating iron of that wattage range in that price range would likely be Asian – which implies a certain caveat emptor care in choosing a model and a source to buy it from. Be sure true replacement tips are easily available and of good quality too.
I’d at least think about spending the money on a ‘station’ that also hosts a desoldering vacuum and a controlled-temperature spot hot air gun capable of reflow. Those are luxuries, but you quickly come to appreciate them. Like those little Ford push buttons to unlock the doors…
I confess that I cheated; I bought one of the old Radio Shack units with the blue plasma dot display for $25 – as a parts unit, but it worked just fine when I plugged it in and (knock wood!) still does: I have not yet needed a better one for hobby work.
(Yes, I still do use a 150W heavy ‘stick’ iron for foiling and came soldering, and I might use that for quick feeder and drop integrity ‘under the benchwork’, but there are torches that work as well or better if you need finer control or a smaller effective tip size…)
I also have the recommended Xytronic LF-389D and definitely would buy again. I love the fact that I can keep the tip clean.
But I obtained it after the layout wiring was completed, mainly for decoder and building lighting work. So I cannot attest to work such as attaching feeder wires to rail or heftier jobs.
Put me in the camp for Randy’s recommendation of the Xtronic LF-389D. Superior to my basic pencil type iron. Night and day. Quick heat up, controllable temperature, all the benefits as stated in previous posts. That said, I would say the most important thing is the adjustable, controllable temperature feature of a station. The Xtronic is good, and I’m sure there are others just as good or better. Bottom line, get an adjustable station. Definitely won’t be disappointed
Of course - but so is pretty much any Weller selling for under $200 or so. There’s Hakko which are Japanese, but be VERY careful because they are the most countefeited ones out there - right down to the colors and the name. Best check that the seller is an authorized dealer. Xytronic like mine is Tiawanese. Both are solid and have parts and tips availablke long after a model is discontinued. And they both make everything from entry level to production line class equipment. Xytronic seems to always be a bit less expensive - the Hakko equivalent to the LF-389D is around $100 compared to $60.
Weller - guess it’s time again for that rant. They are like many formerly well respected tool brands. Carl Weller inv
you might also consider the TekPower TP13 ($24) or a least it’s features.
the TP13 has a knurled cap that can be unscrewed to replace the tip and an adjustable temperature control the packaging says it is “like Weller WLC100” but i do not see the knurled cap on the WLC100 and wonder how tips are replaced.
the nice thing about soldering irons with thermo stats is the indicator light usually flashes when the iron reaches temperatures.
the TP13 does not have a thermostat. its’ control simply adjusts the power to the tip and i wonder if this is true with other not calibrated in temperature
One is a Weller, the other looks identical but it’s a knockoff brand that actually looks like the Tekpower - knurled knob for the tip and all. NEITHER are temperature controlled. There’s a reason that Tekpower has a power control yet sells for no more than a fixed iron.
The Weller, the tip itself is threaded, that’s how you remove and change it - just hope it hasn’t gotten too badly oxidized before you change it or it will be tough to get out.
I’ve been using a Yihua 939D for about 6 months and I am very happy with it. Controlled temp, silicone cord, quality construction, standard tips, fast heating. Check it out for another alternative.
