Your opinions of the Weller WES51 Station

[scumbagatheist]

So, it's time to step up my soldering game, and even the best of RadioShack's irons just piss me off in a matter of weeks.

I'm working on a budget and found what seems to be a good deal on a Weller WES51 Soldering Station, and I'd like to hear from the folks who use the Weller irons.

Here's a link it helps

 

[bobhaha]

Looks pretty decent, good brand. But the handle looks a little flimsy...

I have a cheap knock-off version of the 898D... something similar to this

ATTEN HOT AIR GUN SOLDERING REWORK SMD STATION AT8586 3 Nozzles SYDNEY WRT | eBay

But I think I paid ~$70. It's decent for the price and if you look around there are units that come with heaps of spare parts and fittings.

 

[Speedy78]

Never used this one but the weller we have at work is amazing. Granted its touch control and digital but the quality of it just blows me away. I would expect the same on their lower end models.

 

[scumbagatheist]

Thanks guys. I don't have a fortune to spend and even if I can get work to pay for my replacement tips, there's no way in hell they're going to pay for that station after all the irons I've tossed out.

That and I wouldn't want the shop to own this sweet iron! Let them keep the crap for those huge IC board contacts we use them for.

Luckily, I payed only 3.99 for 1 day shipping with some promo deal I'll have to remember to back out of in a week or so.

So, I'll have it thursday!

 

[Polonium210]

You will love that solder station.

I have the Weller WESD51 and its amazing. The only difference is the digital temperature readout.

 

[scumbagatheist]

Did want...not at double the price though. I want to assemble some drivers and have no time to wait for the cheapest deal either. What I found was a fair price, and much cheaper than Mouser.

 

[lasersbee]

We have been using Weller Stations for many many years and
swear by their quality and longevity.
I've got a Weller station that is over 20 years old and is still
going strong.
With all the soldering we do we change a soldering tip about
every 2 pounds of solder we use. That is a lot of 0.025" dia
solder.
Final word... at that price you are getting a top notch professional
Soldering Station.


Jerry

 

[scumbagatheist]

Thanks Jerry. I was having some buyer's remorse after pushing the button. But, I really could use this at work and NEED something better for my laser hobby.

Your review made me feel much better about it. I CAN afford it...it's just hard to throw that much money at a tool and not another 9mm diode.

 

[bobhaha]

You would really hate watching me at the black jack table then....