Weller WLC100 40W Soldering Station with temp adjustment - $35

[GZeus]

** Props to 'glenatuf' @ FW **

In store special only: Link (for reference only)

The shelf tag was the same as online, $45, but it rings up at $35.

 

[nonameo]

lol, literally a hot deal.

 

[datacomm]

Wow! I used a Weller for just about 10 years soldering all kinds of TV parts including fairly large pot tabs to old RCA and Sears chasis all the way down to LSI chips on 3 layer modem and computer boards.

I favored the 800 degree tips because I was always in a hurry and this got the job done fast. I loved the tips Weller had and got pretty spoiled by them. A quick swipe on a wet sponge and your tip was ready for action.

The cord on the ones I used were silicon rather than rubber. You could wrap the cord around the hot tip and it would not dammage it.

I wonder if this is as good as those from years ago.

...Looks like a trip to Fry's is in order.

 

[Samus]

That's a pretty good deal, but I got a Elenco Model ST5 (also 5-40 watt adjustable) for about this price at Fry's a few years back. Elenco is an Illinois based business and all their products are USA-made and engineered.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3055439

Don't mean to threadcrap, but it's a better deal if you're looking for a quality electronics soldering iron. The thing weighs almost 4lbs with base. You'll also have a much easier time finding compatible tips since all Elenco's use the same tip, but Weller's have ST, CT5, LT, NT, PT tips. They are not interchangable with eachother, and this just complicates finding tips in the future.

I solder a lot.

 

[GZeus]

No TC taken 'Samus'.

I didn't know that Elenco was US made or about the tips. Good info and both of those things matter, at least to me. We use Weller at work and they seem to last forever so I had more confidence in them when I was at the store. Now, I'm kinda tempted to trade in my new Weller. Hmmm.....