My Weller WLC100 decided to kick the bucket one day. Now, usually, I’m industrious enough to fix these sort of things, but I was itching to buy a more robust station that could do some SMD work. Click on the link below to see my review.
Just as my luck should have it, there’s a rebate for the high end digital Weller WESD51 from Lashen Electronics. This station lists for around $130, and the $20 mail-in rebate brings it down to $110. This station is probably priced a little high for the hobbyist, but I don’t plan on this breaking for the next 10 years (The old WLC100 lasted at least 12!!). The WESD51 is a temperature controlled station. Wattage controlled stations (RatShack soldering pencils, WLC100) can not control their temperature directly. Instead, they control how much power is available to a solder joint. For example, you’re not going to be able to do stain glass windows with a 15 Watt soldering pencil (you need 120+Watts to do that).
Here are some of the more important specs:
- ESD Safe
- Digital LED display, actual tip temperature is read
- °F and °C readout, temperature lockout
- Ergonomic pencil
- Power: 60 W
- Temperatures: 350°F to 850°F(177°C-454°C)
- Automatic shutoff (90 minutes)
The station comes with a very detailed set of instructions, including an exploded diagram of how to take it apart, should the need arise.
I had to read the instructions to figure out what that little black pencil did. It has a small magnet on the one end, and is used to modify the settings of the iron. I can use it to calibrate the temperature display, change the display from Fahrenheit to Celsius, or lock the station at a fixed station. I can really see how the WESD51 is aimed at a production environment with these features so that the employees can’t bugger around with things. I will be surprised if I find the need to modify these settings before I lose the magnet stick. To lock out the temperature, you cycle the station with the magnet stick on the front panel, and voila, the temperature is locked.
One of the things that is really appealing about this iron is the heat up time. I turn the station on, dial in my temperature, the station reaches it in about 30 seconds. Quick!
Although I don’t do marathon soldering runs, I appreciated the ergonomic grip and the slender form, which will certainly be handy for reaching in tight spots. Also, the stand was an upgrade from the WLC100, as this one is separated from the station, and has some weight to it. The cord is about 48″ in length, and doesn’t tangle.
This is the reason why the WESD51 outshines every other iron I’ve ever owned. Do you see that? There is no set screw. Which means that the soldering iron tip is securely held in place. The outer sheath does not allow the tip to wiggle or fall out. Fantastic!
In conclusion, if you’re a weekend electronics Maker, you probably should stick with the WLC100, which is priced at around $40. If you need something more robust, or just happen to have some extra cash laying around, I recommend this iron. Buy a smaller tip (I bought the ETU) if you plan on doing SMD work.
UPDATE (6/4/07): Read a discussion at Toolmonger about my review
http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/wellers-digital-soldering-station-reviewed-and-on-sale/
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