Looking for a Weller Solder Station - Options???

[hollowbody]

I need something better than my Nexxtech, so I'm looking to upgrade to a nice Weller station (or something similar).

What models out there are suitable for guitar/amp applications? I'm mostly looking at soldering pots, caps etc in guitars, amps and pedals.

Where in the GTA can I find one? I'd prefer to buy at a bricks and mortar in TO before I go looking online.

thanks!

[iaresee]

Originally Posted by hollowbody

Where in the GTA can I find one? I'd prefer to buy at a bricks and mortar in TO before I go looking online.

http://www.e-sonic.ca/ -- they're in the North end of the city.

As for what to buy:

I recommend buying a unit that has a cord from the power unit to the pencil that can be replaced.

Variable power is nice. You'll want something that can do at least 40W, but 80W would be better -- higher if you can afford it. As you get more experience you'll want a fair bit of heat because you'll be on and off the solder really quickly.

You don't really need anything with a temperature gauge on it. Power control is fine. You're not working with super-sensitive stuff.

Make sure you can replace the tips on the pencil (honestly I can't think of a soldering station that wouldn't allow for this, but worth checking).

Weller obviously is nice, but you'll pay for the name. Hakko is another soldering station manufacturer that tends to be a little less than Weller and it's nice stuff.

[zdogma]

I buy most of my soldering stuff at active electronics in Ottawa. I think there is one in Toronto and Montreal also.

I had one of these and really liked it, I've since upgraded:

http://www.active123.com/store.cfm?&ckey=CA&lang=eng

This a great one for about $100 CAN, I've bought a couple as gifts and everybody raves about them. Its not in the online catalog, but they have it at the Active stores:

http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?C...ID=1250&Page=1

[Fader]

If you decide to go online... they is on sale right now.

http://www.e-sonic.com/whatsnew/Coop...er_Savings.htm

[greco]

I have the Weller model WLC100CUL

http://www.e-sonic.com/whatsnew/Coop...er_Savings.htm

It is fine...But I would do as suggested and get a model with higher wattage, if you think you will eventually be doing a fair amount of soldering.

Cheers

Dave

[parkhead]

e-sonic
sayall
and active are
all on the same corner Gordon baker & ???
in scarborough in toronto

in the west end there are several e shops at dixie and matheson

p

[gtrguy]

WES51 is a good unit. I use it for wiring amps, guitar wiring,pedal work. There's also a more expensive digital unit (WES51D) but I wouldn't bother...

Hakko 936 is a nice unit too.

[John Bartley]

I use a Hakko as pictured above for a regulated, variable pencil. It's been on my bench for many years now and has been flawless. Fast warm-up, tip hasn't corroded yet (probably because I use the damp foam pad regularly) and the cord is plenty long for most jobs. It does most regular jobs without being cranked all the way up. For the really heavy stuff I use a couple of Weller guns.

cheers

John

[hollowbody]

Originally Posted by greco

I have the Weller model WLC100CUL

http://www.e-sonic.com/whatsnew/Coop...er_Savings.htm

It is fine...But I would do as suggested and get a model with higher wattage, if you think you will eventually be doing a fair amount of soldering.

Cheers

Dave

That's one I was looking at just for value, but thanks for the heads up.

Originally Posted by gtrguy

WES51 is a good unit. I use it for wiring amps, guitar wiring,pedal work. There's also a more expensive digital unit (WES51D) but I wouldn't bother...

Hakko 936 is a nice unit too.

Originally Posted by John Bartley

I use a Hakko as pictured above for a regulated, variable pencil. It's been on my bench for many years now and has been flawless. Fast warm-up, tip hasn't corroded yet (probably because I use the damp foam pad regularly) and the cord is plenty long for most jobs. It does most regular jobs without being cranked all the way up. For the really heavy stuff I use a couple of Weller guns.

cheers

John

I think I'll probably end up going for either the WES51 or the Hakko 936. I'll let you guys know how it works out.

[JDW3]

Before you buy, check Amazon. Do a search for pricing. I got my Weller WES51 just about 5 weeks ago for $88.00.