would this be any good for pcb soldering & delicate jobs (midibox) or would it be to hot?
I thought I could adjust the temp to suit as it has tip temperature that is adjustable between approx 200°C and 450°C, and a bright-red display that clearly shows the current temperature.
It sounds like you know this already, but I’ll mention it for the sake of other readers..
The ideal is “temperature control”, not “wattage control”.. having a thermostat makes all the difference in consistent soldering.
I have an OLD Weller WTCPN iron. It is NOT adjustable, but it IS temperature controlled. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. In these, the tip sets the temperature. You can hear them “clicking” as they regulate the heat.
The modern equivalent is something like:WTCPT
You can upgrade if you want to for variable temperature, but do NOT downgrade to “wattage control” in the consumer models..
(your link didn’t work for me, but it’s the same one based on product code).
Temperature controlled and cheap (129 AUD) though my definition of cheap might differ from yours.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and excellent bang for buck.
Seriously, do not bother with anything that isn’t temperature controlled.
I’ve never needed a different tip for this one, even for SMD ICs (using solder wicking method, see curiousinventor guides). I usually set it to 330 deg, and crank it up to 400 for brute force desoldering or soldering pads “direct connect” to ground planes (which will dissipate heat much faster and require more heat to do a good joint).
The MBT-250 features a vacuum desoldering tool, a very quick-heating temperature-controlled iron, a hot air blowing tool for soldering SMT stuff with solder pastes, and thermal tweezers (usually used for removing SMT stuff).
There are five of these at my work. Mine’s the oldest - about 12 years. Three are about 9 years old. One’s brand new. We’ve never had a problem with any of them. And they are ridiculously expensive.
I have a Velleman VTSSC50N, not cheap but not very expensive either. I’m very happy with it, it does everything I want it to do. For the soldering work I do (which is not that much) a more expensive digital controlled soldering station would be an overkill.
latigid on, the second set up looks like the Hakko 936, do you think it’s a re branded (out of the same factory) or an imitation?
I’m not too sure, sorry. If you can get to Jaycar I’d recommend having a look at both.
What temp setting do you usually use on your Duratec?
I’m using 60/40 0.71mm rosin flux solder, and with the knob on halfway it works very well. Of course, you don’t get an exact temperature readout, but that’s why it cost $70 instead of more
beware of the blue Jaycar thing, it’s way overpriced at 60 AUD. This one is relabeled China crap, available from eBay sellers for under 10 Euros (e.g. <snip>).
Beware of anything from China with a rubber grip.
It’s very likely that they contain PAHs. They are pretty dangerous.
(and can lower your IQ according to Wikipedia. But me assuming wikipedia right being.)
If it smells, throw it away or wrap something around so there’s no skin-contact.
I really like my Weller WHS40 (the analog one. There is also a more expensive WHS40D existing).
I have a metcal SP-200, its the best it heats up in about 3 seconds and is always a constant heat. It is truely amazing to work with makes other irons seem a bit crappy, the ok industries irons are suppose to be great too. look on ebay for good second hand deals these things are damn near indestructable
It sounds like you know this already, but I’ll mention it for the sake of other readers..
The ideal is “temperature control”, not “wattage control”.. having a thermostat makes all the difference in consistent soldering.
I have an OLD Weller WTCPN iron. It is NOT adjustable, but it IS temperature controlled. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. In these, the tip sets the temperature. You can hear them “clicking” as they regulate the heat.
The modern equivalent is something like:WTCPT
You can upgrade if you want to for variable temperature, but do NOT downgrade to “wattage control” in the consumer models..
Just my two cents.
I have the same iron. Baught it second had from german e-bay after tips from my firnd of both Weller and german e-bay for cheep but good soldering stations.
) she just doesn’t know it yet 
