Soldering Irons... Maybe more?

[BlueBMW]

Excellent!  Glad you like it. The other thing you will notice is that the tips last damn near forever.

[MNKyDeth]

Actually, that is one thing in the manual that normal generic irons do not. Is, "How to take care" of the equipment.

After reading this I was like wtf why didn't I realize this stuff before. I was going through a tip per 2-3 consoles.

I am still on my first tip and have done 7. It's crazy lol, I even ordered several replacement tips for this iron and well.... I should be set for a very long while.

Using my plunger has become even easier to use as well. When heating and then getting the plunger into place the solder is gone. Before I would have to go over the holes 1-3 times to make sure they were fully clear.

Next up I think is an Oscilloscope before a desolder gun. But it is on my list.

[HuMan]

My Weller has served me well, not sure how long it's been since I bought it, maybe a year or two. I'm still on the original tip it came with, I always tin it after every soldering session (or during super long sessions).

[ClodBuster]

I use a Weller WHS-40. Fine for regular electronics with lead and lead-free solder (I prefer lead), but it struggles heating up large surfaces, heat sinks and thick wires even when using extra-wide third party/aftermarket tips. It works still much better than my old low budget iron.

I'll keep this station, but I consider getting a separate soldering iron for "tough" jobs. I'd appreciate any suggestions.